About Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID):
- It is a mental health condition that causes one to limit the amount and type of food one eats.
- It isn’t the result of a distorted self-image or an attempt to lose body weight, which is common among other eating disorders.
- The eating problems seen in ARFID stem from other factors, such as:
- Aversions to certain food groups or textures of foods
- Lack of appetite
- Preferences for specific colors of foods
- Fears of vomiting or choking after eating
- Although ARFID can occur at any age, it most commonly develops during infancy or early childhood and may persist into adulthood. In children, ARFID occurs more frequently in males than females.
- People with ARFID often have anxiety disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
- Additionally, there is likely a genetic component, as ARFID commonly runs in families.
- As well as being selective about food, someone with ARFID might not eat (consume) enough calories to grow and develop.
- In children, this may cause stalled weight gain, weight loss, or even stalled vertical growth (growing taller).
- It may lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
- The main treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy.
