Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Treatment

What is ARFID?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (or ARFID) is an eating disorder. It’s defined by a fear of eating certain foods due to textures, fear of vomiting, or gagging. People with ARFID will only eat from a small selection of “safe” foods. As a result, this can have serious health effects. That’s why there’s ARFID treatment options.

ARFID tends to show up more among children. However, it can grow with a person into adulthood. As a result, ARFID can be present throughout the lifespan. Also, it occurs in all genders and has a strong correlation with neurodivergence. ARFID is a newer diagnosis in the DSM-5, and research on treatment is still underway.

 

ARFID Treatment: What’s Behind the Eating Disorder

ARFID Treatment

Similarly to anorexia, people with ARFID are often underweight and have restrictive eating habits. This is often an attempt to avoid triggering anxiety from food. However, a key difference between the two disorders is that ARFID lacks the drive for thinness. Low weight or weight loss may not always be a symptom of ARFID. If this is not something you experience you should still reach out for support. If you experience anxiety around certain food textures, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our admissions team is well-versed in ARFID and can put you on the path to successful exposures. Reach out to our admissions team today

ARFID is… 

  • A serious eating disorder with many medical complications. This can include being underweight and malnourished, similar to anorexia. 

ARFID is not… 

  • Just picky eating in kids
  • A lesser eating disorder
  • A behavioral disorder
  • Caused by parents

ARFID Warning Signs and Symptoms

  • Avoidance of certain foods due to sensory characteristics (texture, smell, taste, or appearance)
  • Extreme pickiness that interferes with daily life
  • Limited variety in food intake (e.g., only eating a small number of foods)
  • Fear of choking, vomiting, or other negative consequences when eating
  • Skipping meals or restricting portions without concern about body weight or shape
  • Rigid eating patterns (e.g., only eating certain brands or colors of food)
  • Noticeable weight loss or failure to gain weight as expected (especially in children/adolescents)
  • Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., low iron, vitamin deficiencies)
  • Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting due to poor nutrition
  • Stunted growth or delayed development in children

ARFID Treatment at EDRS

Due to the complex and new nature of ARFID, there are a lot of misdiagnoses. Many people confuse it with anorexia. That’s why our EDRS admissions team is trained in identifying ARFID. This helps our clients begin on the proper path to ARFID treatment.

Similar to an anorexia diagnosis, before psychological work can begin, medical management and nutritional plans must be established. Medical stabilization is always a priority. This includes monitoring for refeeding syndrome and electrolyte imbalances.

Like other eating disorders, ARFID treatment has to be personalized based on a client’s needs. ARFID clients tend to need more help to address their specific food aversions, sensitivities, or restrictions. Generally, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used as a frontline of defense. This helps with treating ARFID to manage anxious thoughts around foods. ARFID clients then find a lot of their focus on engaging in rewarding exposures towards new foods. We’ve seen many of our clients report that meal supports have helped decrease anxiety. It helps overcome eating fear foods at home or in restaurants.

For those requiring more support, there’s our intensive outpatient program (IOP). We often see ARFID clients use our flexible model by opting out of body image skills groups and into meal support groups for up to three times a day. This allows clients to focus on challenging exposures. That’s with the support of a clinician on a regular basis.

If ARFID treatment is something you have been considering, reach out to our admissions team today. They are knowledgeable on the diagnosis and can help determine whether EDRS is the right fit for you.

ARFID Treatment Screening Questions

  • Do you avoid certain foods because of their texture, taste, smell, or appearance?
  • Are there entire food groups or types of foods that you refuse to eat?
  • Do you often eat a very limited variety of foods or the same few foods every day?
  • Has your eating ever caused you to lose weight or fail to gain expected weight?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, contact our admissions team today for a full assessment. Help is available and you’re not alone.

Medical Complications from ARFID

  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Growth and development issues (children and adolescents)
  • Gastrointestinal problems (bloating, abdominal pain, or nausea due to a limited diet)
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Psychosocial and functional impairment

Medical issues from ARFID are similar to those of anorexia and other restrictive disorders. However, remember that ARFID is different from anorexia because it’s not led by body image distortion or fear of weight gain. This eating disorder tends to present in children, so medical stability and ARFID treatment are essential early on. If you require support with an ARFID diagnosis or are looking to learn more, reach out to our admissions team today. 

Prevalence (NEDA)

  • Studies have found that between 0.5%-5% of children and adults in the general population have the disorder.
  • Commonly developed during infancy or early childhood, can persist into adulthood or develop at any age.

Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is more common among children and adolescents. There is limited research on ARFID as it’s fairly new. Researchers are still studying prevalence among adults. If you’re an adult and you believe you have ARFID, you’re not alone. Talk to our admissions team today about options</span>. 

Psychological and Co-occurring Factors

  • Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or specific phobias (e.g., fear of choking and vomiting) are common.
  • Sensory sensitivities
  • Low appetite and lack of interest in eating
  • Trauma from negative feeding experiences
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Studies indicate that 8.2% to 54.8% of children diagnosed with ARFID also have ASD.
  • Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety is commonly reported among people with ARFID, with prevalence rates ranging from 9.1% to 72%.

Co-occurring disorders and factors in people with ARFID often stem from comorbidity with ASD and anxiety disorders. With proper meal support and therapy, co-occurring factors can be managed alongside ARFID treatment. Learn more today from our admissions team. 

ARFID Risk Factors

  • Early feeding difficulties or extreme picky eating in childhood
  • Sensory sensitivities (to texture, taste, smell, or appearance of food)
  • Negative or traumatic eating experiences (e.g., choking, vomiting, illness)
  • High anxiety or fear of choking, vomiting, or food-related harm
  • Neurodevelopmental conditions (ASD, ADHD, sensory processing disorder)
  • Low appetite or limited awareness of hunger/fullness cues
  • Family history of anxiety, OCD, or eating disorders
  • Chronic gastrointestinal problems (GERD, constipation, IBS)
  • Food allergies or medical conditions requiring dietary restriction
  • Rigid or perfectionistic temperament
  • Family mealtime conflict or pressure around eating
  • Limited early exposure to varied foods

Current research indicates that ARFID develops in childhood and can last well into adulthood. Despite the lack of preoccupation with body image, the physical side effects of ARFID can be dangerous. If you or someone you know is displaying symptoms, contact an eating disorder professional today.

Glossary of Terms

  • Safe Foods: A limited range of foods a person with ARFID feels comfortable eating, often chosen for familiar textures, tastes, or appearances.
  • Sensory Sensitivities: Heightened reactions to the texture, taste, smell, or appearance of foods that can lead to avoidance.
  • Neurodivergence: A term describing individuals whose brain functions differ from what’s considered typical; includes conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and sensory processing disorder.
  • DSM-5: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, used by clinicians to diagnose mental health disorders. ARFID was first introduced in this edition.
  • Malnutrition: A medical condition resulting from inadequate nutrient intake, often causing fatigue, dizziness, or impaired growth.
  • Medical Stabilization: The process of restoring safe physical health in someone who is medically compromised by disordered eating, often prior to starting therapy.
  • Refeeding Syndrome: A potentially serious condition that can occur when nutrition is reintroduced after a period of starvation or severe restriction, causing dangerous shifts in electrolytes.
  • Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of minerals like sodium, potassium, or calcium in the blood, which can affect heart and muscle function.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of therapy focused on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, often used to manage anxiety around food in ARFID treatment.
  • Exposures: Gradual, structured experiences where clients practice trying new or previously avoided foods to reduce anxiety and build tolerance.
  • Meal Support: Therapeutic, clinician-guided meals that help clients reduce anxiety and increase flexibility during eating situations.
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): A structured treatment program that provides several hours of therapy and meal support each week while allowing clients to live at home.
  • Fear Foods: Foods that cause anxiety, disgust, or avoidance due to texture, past experiences, or fear of negative physical reactions.
  • Psychosocial Impairment: Difficulty functioning in social or daily life activities due to symptoms of ARFID (e.g., avoiding eating with others).
  • Anxiety Disorders: A group of mental health conditions involving excessive fear, worry, or phobias—commonly co-occurring with ARFID.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurodevelopmental condition often associated with sensory sensitivities and rigid routines, which can increase ARFID risk.
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues: Physical symptoms affecting the digestive system, such as bloating, constipation, nausea, or pain, which may both contribute to and result from limited food intake.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins and minerals due to restrictive eating, potentially causing fatigue, weakness, or developmental delays.

Questions about any of the above terms? Reach out to our admissions team to learn more about ARFID and ARFID treatment at EDRS. 

ARFID Research and Support for People Struggling with ARFID:

Sources:

If you believe you or someone is struggling with an eating disorder, reach out today. ARFID treatment and other options are available.

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Ready to start your recovery journey?

We have had tremendous success with helping clients gain control of their lives and tackling their eating disorders head-on. 

Our clinical intake coordinators can confidentially learn more about your respective situation and work with you to assess your needs and the best path forward. 

We look forward to helping you on your path to better health and recovery.

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