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Eating Disorder Facts
Understanding

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

ARFID is an eating disorder characterized by highly selective eating habits, disturbed feeding patterns, or both. Unlike anorexia, ARFID does not involve distress about body shape or size, but it can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and social impairment.

Also known as: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, Selective Eating Disorder

Estimated to affect 0.5–5% of children and adults; often underdiagnosed

ARFID was added to the DSM-5 in 2013 to replace the older diagnosis of "Feeding Disorder of Infancy or Early Childhood." It recognizes that significant feeding and eating difficulties can occur across the lifespan — not just in young children.

People with ARFID may avoid foods based on sensory characteristics (texture, smell, taste, appearance), fear of negative consequences (choking, vomiting, allergic reactions), or apparent lack of interest in eating. The result is a diet so limited that it fails to meet nutritional and/or energy needs.

ARFID is distinct from normal picky eating because it significantly impacts health, growth, development, or psychosocial functioning. It commonly co-occurs with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, and ADHD.

Recognize

Signs & Symptoms

Dramatic restriction of types or amounts of food eaten, not related to body image concerns
Eating only foods with certain textures, colors, or brands
Fear of choking, vomiting, or having an allergic reaction to food
Lack of appetite or interest in food
Limited range of preferred foods that becomes narrower over time
Weight loss or failure to achieve expected growth in children
Nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamins)
Dependence on nutritional supplements or tube feeding
Significant distress around mealtimes or eating in social settings
Avoidance of social events where food is present
Understand

Causes & Risk Factors

No single cause has been identified. Eating disorders arise from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors.

Sensory sensitivities — heightened sensitivity to taste, texture, smell, or appearance of foods
Negative experience with food — choking episode, vomiting, allergic reaction
Anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety
Autism spectrum disorder — sensory processing differences
ADHD — difficulty with focus and regulation, including interoceptive awareness
Gastrointestinal conditions — GERD, food allergies, or chronic stomach pain
Genetic and temperamental factors
Stressful or chaotic mealtime environments in childhood
Health Impact

Health Consequences

Eating disorders have serious medical consequences and can be life-threatening if untreated.

  • Significant nutritional deficiencies (vitamins, minerals, protein)
  • Weight loss or poor growth in children and adolescents
  • Dependence on oral nutritional supplements or tube feeding
  • Fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating
  • Impaired immune function
  • Bone density loss from inadequate calcium and vitamin D
  • Delayed puberty and growth in adolescents
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Social isolation and impaired quality of life
  • Anxiety and depression related to eating difficulties
Healing

Treatment Approaches

01 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — particularly exposure-based approaches to gradually introduce new foods and reduce food-related anxiety
02 Family-Based Treatment (FBT) — empowering families to support nutritional rehabilitation, especially for children and adolescents
03 Systematic desensitization — gradual, structured exposure to feared or avoided foods in a safe environment
04 Occupational therapy — addressing sensory processing difficulties that contribute to food avoidance
05 Nutritional rehabilitation — working with a dietitian to identify and address deficiencies while respecting the individual's pace
06 Medication — anxiety medications or appetite stimulants may be helpful in some cases
07 Multidisciplinary team approach — combining medical, nutritional, psychological, and occupational therapy expertise

There is hope

Recovery is possible with the right help.

Talk to a professional who specializes in eating disorder treatment.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions