What is ARFID? More than Just Picky Eating
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is often misunderstood as extreme picky eating, but it is a diagnosable eating disorder that affects both children and adults. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns but by an intense avoidance of certain foods due to sensory sensitivities, lack of interest in eating, or fear of negative consequences (such as choking or illness).
Types of ARFID
ARFID can present in different ways, including:
Sensory Sensitivity: Individuals may avoid foods due to texture, taste, smell, or appearance. They may only eat a limited variety of foods that feel “safe” to them.
Lack of Interest in Food: Some people with ARFID experience low appetite or a general disinterest in eating, which can lead to unintentional weight loss or nutrient deficiencies.
Fear of Adverse Consequences: This type of ARFID is driven by a fear that eating certain foods will cause harm, such as choking, vomiting, or an allergic reaction, even when no medical risk is present.
How ARFID Affects Daily Life
For many adults with ARFID, getting adequate nutrition can be a challenge. Food choices may be so limited that it impacts physical health, leading to fatigue, dizziness, or nutrient deficiencies. Social situations, such as dining out or attending events involving food, can feel overwhelming or even impossible, creating isolation and stress.
Treatment & Support for ARFID
Recovery from ARFID is possible with the right support. Working with a therapist and dietitian that specialize in Eating Disorders can be essential in addressing food avoidance, increasing flexibility with eating, and reducing anxiety around meals. Treatment may involve exposure therapy, sensory work, and strategies to gradually expand food choices in a way that feels manageable. Progress may be slow and steady, but treatment can help move someone from food avoidance to a more balanced and fulfulled life and relationship with food.
