Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

what is arfid?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a common eating disorder diagnosis that describes children and adults who cannot meet their nutritional needs, typically because of sensory sensitivity, fear of adverse consequences and/or apparent lack of interest in eating or food. Unlike other eating disorders, people with ARFID do not worry much (if at all) about how they look, or how much they weigh. Many people with ARFID find that novel foods have strange or intense tastes, textures, or smells, and they feel safer eating foods that they know well. Some have had negative experiences with food, for example choking or feeling ill. Others may have very low levels of appetite and see eating as a chore.

Once established, a pattern of food avoidance can become longstanding and highly resistant to change. Some of the consequences of this disorder include (but are not limited to): weight loss or being severely underweight; nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition; growth failure in children and adolescents; impairment in social functioning; anxiety and depression.

treatment for ARFID

In view of the above, it is strongly recommended that anyone with diagnosed or suspected ARFID seek appropriate medical and psychological intervention as soon as possible. This will help to prevent any serious health problems and ultimately promote higher levels of engagement and enjoyment in daily life.