Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), also known as Selective Eating Disorder (SED), is a type of eating disorder that prevents the consumption of certain foods. It is often associated with children, but can also affect adults.

Overview

ARFID is a condition characterized by the person avoiding certain foods or types of food, having restricted intake in terms of overall amount eaten, or both. This disorder is not due to the lack of availability of food, or to cultural practices. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID does not involve distress about body shape or size, or fears of fatness.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ARFID can vary from person to person, but they often include:

• Avoidance or restriction of food intake that prevents the person from eating sufficient calories or nutrients
• Eating habits that interfere with normal social functions, such as eating with others
• Weight loss or poor development for age and height
• Nutrient deficiencies or dependence on supplements or tube feeding

Causes

The exact cause of ARFID is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing ARFID, while others may develop the disorder as a result of an experience such as choking or vomiting.

Treatment

Treatment for ARFID typically involves a multidisciplinary team that includes a psychiatrist, a dietitian, and a therapist. The goal of treatment is to expand the variety of foods eaten and improve the nutritional quality of the person's diet. This is often achieved through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help the person understand and change their thoughts and behaviors related to food.

See also

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Eating disorder not otherwise specified