Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating and feeding disorder characterized by a persistent restriction of food intake that is not driven by concerns about body weight or appearance. Individuals with ARFID may avoid certain foods because of their taste, texture, smell, color, or fear of choking, vomiting, or other unpleasant experiences. This condition can affect children, adolescents, and adults, often leading to inadequate nutrition and impaired growth or overall health.

Common symptoms include eating a very limited variety of foods, significant weight loss or poor weight gain, nutritional deficiencies, dependence on nutritional supplements, and difficulty participating in social situations involving meals. Children with ARFID may experience delayed physical development, while adults may struggle with fatigue, weakness, or reduced quality of life due to poor nutrition.

The exact cause of ARFID is not fully understood but may involve sensory sensitivities, anxiety disorders, traumatic feeding experiences, developmental conditions, or gastrointestinal problems. Early recognition is important to prevent long-term health complications.

Treatment focuses on restoring adequate nutrition and expanding food acceptance through individualized care. Management may include nutritional counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, feeding therapy, family support, and treatment of underlying medical or psychological conditions. With timely intervention, most individuals can improve their eating habits, nutritional status, confidence, and overall well-being.