ARFID: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Types of ARFID
- Sensory Avoidant
- Fear of Adverse Consequences
- Lack of Interest/Restrictive
More than just picky eating
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a complex eating disorder characterized by a limited range of food preferences and significant avoidance of specific foods or food groups. ARFID is a psychiatric disorder, not just being picky or stubborn. People with ARFID have underlying biological traits that have made their eating habits a logical choice. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body weight or shape but rather by a variety of factors such as sensory sensitivities, fear of negative consequences from eating, or a lack of interest in food. Individuals with ARFID may exhibit extreme selectivity in their diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and other health issues. This disorder can affect people of all ages. ​
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Having both a dietitian and a therapist is highly beneficial in treating ARFID because it addresses both the nutritional and psychological aspects of the condition. The dietitian provides essential guidance on achieving adequate intake and overcoming food aversions through food play/exposures. The therapist works on the emotional and cognitive challenges that contribute to food avoidance.
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Fun Fact!
Children may not like vegetables because they have a natural aversion to bitter tastes. This is because the human brain evolved to avoid toxic plants, which often have a bitter taste.
Possible Causes
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Sensory sensitivity, such as a strong aversion to certain textures, smells, sensations, or tastes
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Lack of appetite or interest in food due to medical or mental health conditions
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Traumatic experiences related to food, leading to fear of adverse consequences such as choking, vomiting episodes or allergies
Facts about ARFID
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​Eating the same foods all the time makes new foods taste even more different
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Certain nutrition deficiencies can change the way food tastes, making new food even less appealing
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Eating a particular food over and over may also make you tired of that food and stop eating it, further limiting your diet
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Eating very little can lead to hunger cues going dormant or dulled so it it harder to recognize when you are hungry
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Eating too little can promote excessive fullness when you do eat an adequate amount because your stomach capacity decreases and digestion slows down (this can be reversed once adequate nutrition occurs consistently)
Here at Austin Counseling and Nutrition, we understand that ARFID can affect those of all ages. From children and teens to adults. We have providers that will help with all ages, starting at 5 years old and up. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to set up a consult call and we will find the provider that is the right fit for your situation!
