Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively newly recognized eating disorder characterized by the avoidance or restriction of certain foods or food groups, leading to nutritional deficiencies, impaired growth, and/or significant interference with daily functioning.
Individuals with ARFID often have an apparent lack of interest in eating or food, but unlike anorexia nervosa, their avoidance of food is not driven by concerns about body weight or shape. Instead, it may be due to sensory sensitivities, fear of adverse consequences (e.g., choking, vomiting), or a lack of appetite.
ARFID can affect individuals of any age, but it often begins in infancy or childhood and can persist into adulthood if not addressed. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional, including evaluation of physical health, dietary habits, and psychological factors.
Treatment for ARFID may involve a multidisciplinary approach, including nutritional counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and sometimes medication for co-existing conditions such as anxiety or gastrointestinal issues. The goal of treatment is to expand the individual’s range of accepted foods, improve nutritional intake, and address any underlying psychological factors contributing to the disorder.