AVOIDANT/RESTRICTIVE FOOD INTAKE DISORDER
ARFID is different from other eating
disorders, like anorexia nervosa, because
people with ARFID do not worry much
about how they look or how much they
weigh. Instead people with ARFID might
have difficulties in one or more of the
following areas:
Some people with
ARFID find that novel
foods have strange or
intense tastes, smells,
or textures. They feel
safer eating the foods
that they know.
Others have had scary
experiences with food,
like throwing up,
choking, or allergic
reaction. They may
stop avoiding the foods
that made them sick, or
they may stop eating all
together
Still others don’t feel
hungry very often, think
eating is a chore, or get
full very quickly.
People with ARFID eat a
very limited variety or
amount of food, and it
causes problems in their
lives
These problems may be
health-related, like weight
loss or nutritional
deficiencies.
Difficulties with eating
may lead to social
impairment, such as a fear
of eating around other
people.
Treatment combines
increasing accepted
foods and ensuring full
nutrition with already
accepted foods
Treatment for ARFID includes identifying
problematic thought processes around
food and engaging in structure food
challenges.
If you or someone you know may benefit
from support around
picky/selective/anxious eating, treatment
is available here at AATC in both individual
and group formats.