Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new diagnosis in the field of eating disorders. Unlike other eating disorders - that are commonly driven by body image concerns - ARFID is characterized by avoiding or restricting food intake. This can be due to a general lack of interest in eating, sensory sensitivities (not wanting to have the sensations associated with eating), or a fear of possible negative consequences from the act of eating, such as choking or vomiting.
Individuals with ARFID may avoid certain foods based on how it smells, tastes, looks, or feels when eating. And while we all have our personal eating preferences, food avoidance associated with ARFID can actually lead to a limited and nutritionally inadequate diet.
An inadequate diet can lead to significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and a general interference with social and psychological functioning. ARFID is much more than just ‘picky eating’. Serious health issues associated with ARFID include anemia, heart problems, and delayed growth young adults.
ARFID can arise at any age, yet it is most diagnosed in children and adolescents. The symptoms of ARFID vary widely – fears, interest levels, and sensory-related issues – and do not typically stem from concerns about how one looks or how much one weighs.
We don’t fully understand the exact cause of ARFID, but – according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - it is believed to be multifactorial. Meaning, it most likely involves a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. It is also common for there to be co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Because it is potentially multifactorial, ARFID treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. This may include nutritional counseling and medical monitoring in addition to psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help those dealing with ARFID to gradually increase their range of accepted foods and reduce eating-related anxieties.
Sala Psychology is based in Greenwich, Connecticut. Specialties include anxiety disorders, depression, and behavioral weight loss issues.
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