Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

Children’s Minnesota experts are leaders in the development of treatment for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). ARFID is a newly recognized eating disorder that is characterized by a lack of interest in eating or food, avoidance based on the sensory characteristics of food (e.g. textures), or a concern about aversive consequences of eating (e.g. fear or vomiting, choking or abdominal pain). Patients with ARFID do not exhibit body image concerns but their eating patterns interfere with appropriate growth or result in weight loss or impairments in daily functioning.

Signs of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

• Restricted eating or feeding; no appetite
• Inability to eat certain foods based on texture or smell
• Excluding entire food groups
• Avoiding situations with food
• Difficulty digesting certain foods

Symptoms of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

• Significant weight loss or failure to achieve expected weight gain
• Significant nutritional deficiency
• Dependence on oral nutritional supplements
• Being afraid to eat after a choking or vomiting episode