ARFID: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Common Eating and Feeding Challenges

Individuals with ARFID may experience:

• Difficulty digesting certain foods
• Avoidance of specific food textures, colors, and smells
• Eating at an unusually slow pace
• A general lack of appetite

Symptoms of ARFID

The following symptoms can indicate the need for professional eating disorder treatment for ARFID:

• Extreme selectiveness in food choices
• Anxiety when confronted with “fear” foods
• Weight loss in adults; failure to gain weight in children
• Reliance on nutritional supplements or feeding tubes
• Avoidance of foods based on texture, color, taste, smell, or food groups
• Frequent vomiting or gagging when eating certain foods
• Difficulty chewing food
• Lack of appetite
• Trouble digesting specific types of foods
• Consuming very small portions
• Social withdrawal and isolation

ARFID in Children and Adolescents

ARFID is most commonly seen in infants and children, although it can persist into adulthood. Research suggests it may affect up to 5% of children, with boys being more susceptible. It is estimated that ARFID affects 3.2% of the general population, including 14% to 22.5% of children in pediatric eating disorder programs. ARFID is classified as an eating disorder and is considered a mental illness. It often coexists with other conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

How is ARFID Diagnosed?

According to DSM-5, ARFID diagnosis involves:

• Disturbed eating patterns leading to:
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Weight loss (in adults) or inadequate weight gain (in children)
  • Decline in social functioning
  • Reliance on supplements to meet nutritional needs
• The eating disturbance is not due to a lack of available food or another explainable factor.
• The individual does not have a distorted body image.
• The food restriction is not due to another physical or mental illness.

ARFID’s Relationship to Other Eating Disorders

Unlike anorexia and bulimia, ARFID does not usually involve a desire to be thin or dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. However, the resulting inadequate nutrition and caloric intake, especially in children, can severely impact growth and development. ARFID often occurs alongside ASD, ADHD, and OCD.

ARFID Health Risks

Despite its differences from more common eating disorders, ARFID can still pose serious health risks, including:

• Malnutrition
• Weight loss
• Developmental delays
• Co-occurring anxiety disorders
• Gastrointestinal issues

ARFID Treatment

Given ARFID’s unique characteristics, an intensive and specialized treatment approach is often necessary.

Nurtured Nutrition’s Approach to ARFID Care

At Nurtured Nutrition, we provide comprehensive and specialized care for individuals with ARFID. Our extensive experience working with ARFID clients over the years has equipped us to offer the following:

• Role in the Care Team: We collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team that typically includes a therapist, psychiatrist, and primary care physician (PCP).
• Specialized Nutrition Counseling: Our approach includes:
  • Food Trials: Introducing new foods gradually in a structured environment.
  • Food Incorporations: Integrating new foods into daily meals to ensure balanced nutrition.
  • Sensory Exposure: Helping patients become more comfortable with different food textures, smells, and tastes.
  • Family Support: Providing families with tools and strategies to manage ARFID at home.

If additional support is needed, we can facilitate referrals to other experienced providers, ensuring a comprehensive care approach.

Insurance and Coverage

Nurtured Nutrition is in-network with most common insurance providers in the area, allowing for accessible and cost-effective options. Click here for a list of accepted insurances

Regain Control with Nurtured Nutrition

If you or a loved one is struggling with ARFID, we are here to help. Contact us at (508) 688-4794 to speak with a specialist or complete the form on our website to start your journey to recovery.