Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

What is ARFID?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a mental health condition in which someone may have trouble with eating the right amount or meeting their nutritional needs due to naturally low appetite, sensory sensitivities to foods (picky eating), and/or fear of the consequences of eating, such as choking. ARFID falls into the category of eating disorders, although the person affected is not avoiding foods in order to lose weight or achieve thinness. This condition generally begins in early childhood and can persist into adulthood.

How common is it?

ARFID affects approximately 0.3 to 3% of both children and adults. The rates between girls and boys are similar. There seems to be a higher rate of ARFID within the autistic community.

Is ARFID treatable?

In evidence-based treatment, youth and adults can learn to eat more food and/or try avoided foods and begin incorporating them into their diet. Although someone may continue to have traits, such as being a “supertaster” (someone extra sensitive to foods), they can still make good progress in therapy. Treatment of children and teens usually includes caregivers and there are some therapies that target the caregivers only, without the youth being present.

Where can I find the most up-to-date information about ARFID?

The Child Mind Institute has a useful article. There is a self-help book available. An OCD specialty therapist may be a good fit to provide treatment or referrals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7RM3z2ZDEM

The bottom line on ARFID.

Although having ARFID can be very challenging, evidence-based treatment can provide relief and help someone to decrease the impact of the disorder on their health, social life, and family life.

Author: Dr. Cameron Mosley, PhD, ABPP