What is avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)?

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a condition that causes you to limit the amount and type of food you eat. It isn’t the result of a distorted self-image or an attempt to lose body weight, which is common among other eating disorders.

ARFID can cause you to:

• Lose interest in eating.
• Feel anxious about the consequences of eating, like choking on food or vomiting.
• Avoid foods that have an unwanted color, taste, texture or smell.

You might hear your healthcare provider call ARFID “selective eating disorder.” This is because you may only choose a few things that are OK to eat. You may also create rituals or patterns of behavior around the way you eat, like eating your food in a specific order.

ARFID can affect your nutrient intake, which can affect your overall health. It may lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Is avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) the same as picky eating?

No, ARFID isn’t the same as picky eating. Children may be and may avoid certain foods because they don’t like the look, taste, smell or texture. Picky eating usually only targets a few foods and doesn’t affect your child’s appetite or their growth and development. Picky eating can also go away as a child grows. ARFID can cause complications that do affect your appetite and overall health due to a lack of adequate nutrition. This condition doesn’t go away without treatment.

How common is avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)?

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a newer diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This means that there’s not a lot of data available to estimate how this condition affects a large-scale population.

What are the signs and symptoms of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)?

Signs and symptoms of ARFID include:

• Significant weight loss.
• Constipation.
• Abdominal pain, stomach cramps or an upset stomach.
• Low body temperature.
• Lethargy.
• Irregular menstrual cycles.
• Fainting or dizziness.
• Fine hair on your body (lanugo).
• Muscle weakness.

Behavioral changes that may be a sign of ARFID include:

• Feeling full before meals or having no appetite.
• Difficulty paying attention.
• Limiting how much food you eat.
• Only eating foods with certain textures.
• Fear of what could happen after eating like vomiting or choking.
• Picky eating gets worse and limits the range of foods able to be eaten.

ARFID isn’t associated with a negative body image or a desire to lose weight.

What causes ARFID?

The exact cause of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is unknown. Research suggests it may be the result of:

• Anxiety.
• others