Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Categorized by extremely picky eating, the underlying cause of ARFID remains unknown. As a mental health diagnosis it is suspected ARFID stems from psychological and/or sensory factors. Factors vary by individual but may include: 

• fear of adverse reactions (gagging, choking, vomiting) from certain foods

• distress around certain foods

• lack of interest in food

• an inability to recognize hunger cues/feeling full or nauseated at mealtimes

• sensitivity to textures, smells, and appearance of certain foods

These factors set people with ARFID apart from picky eaters as those in the later category feel hungry and have a desire or interest in food. Picky Eating can also be a phase whereas ARFID only worsens overtime.

A primary consideration should be made when diagnosing ARFID, the impact on an individual's overall health and development. Nutritional imbalances are a hallmark of ARFID. Knowing this, a combination of medical intervention and psychological intervention are necessary for treatment. Therapy approaches used to treat those diagnosed with ARFID include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Family Based Therapy

Exposure Therapy