Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

What ARFID means

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder recognized in the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11. It describes a pattern of eating that is limited in amount or variety to the point that it affects a person’s physical health, growth, nutrition or daily life. Unlike anorexia nervosa, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body weight or shape.

Researchers describe several reasons eating can become restricted in ARFID, such as strong sensitivity to the taste, texture or smell of food, low interest in eating, or fear of an unpleasant experience such as choking. It is often first noticed in childhood but can occur at any age, and it sometimes occurs alongside autism, anxiety or other conditions.

Talking to a professional

Picky eating is common, especially in young children, and only a professional assessment can distinguish ordinary food preferences from a feeding or eating disorder. Because restricted eating can affect growth and health, assessment usually considers both physical and psychological factors.

Starting points include a primary care doctor (GP) or pediatrician, who may refer to specialist eating disorder or feeding services. Care teams can include psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, and speech and language or occupational therapists, depending on a person’s needs.

Before an appointment, it can help to note down your questions, what you have noticed and any medicines you already take. It is reasonable to ask about the options available, what the research says about them and what happens next. Good clinicians welcome questions and explain things in plain language.

Learn more

To learn more, see our pages on sensory processing, autism and how to find a therapist. Our guide to types of mental health professionals explains who does what.