What is avoidant restrictive food intake disorder?

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a mental health condition in which people who are affected fail to meet the required nutritional and/or energy intake due to avoidance of specific foods or food groups and/or restriction of the amount of food that they consume, leading to a limited and often low-volume diet. Unlike anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, people with ARFID do not avoid or restrict food with the intention of losing weight or due to concerns related to body image, and unlike other eating disorders, ARFID can occur in both children and adults.^[1]

One common reason for food restriction or avoidance in ARFID is a heightened sensitivity to certain aspects of food, such as smell, taste, texture, or appearance. For example, someone may completely avoid a specific vegetable due to its smell or consume it only in very small quantities. Another reason, often stemming from past negative or traumatic experiences, is the fear of consuming certain foods or food categories that may cause discomfort such as stomach cramps, vomiting, choking, or diarrhea. Additionally, people with ARFID may lack interest in food or perceive eating as burdensome.^[1]

Often, people with ARFID are categorized based on the primary driver of food avoidance/restriction (i.e., sensory sensitivity, fear of adverse consequences, lack of interest in food). However, it is important to note that ARFID can differ from person to person, and some people may have more than one factor that contributes to their eating behavior. Additionally, due to the complexity of this disorder and the often associated comorbidities, there may be other reasons beyond the ones mentioned, and this list should not be considered exhaustive.