Avoidant - Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Definition

Avoidant - Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a type of eating disorder where individuals eat only a very limited variety of foods, leading to nutritional deficiencies and significant weight loss or failure to gain weight.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Avoidant - Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is characterized by an avoidance of eating certain foods or types of foods due to sensory characteristics, a lack of interest in eating, or concerns about the consequences of eating, such as choking. It can result in persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional or energy needs, leading to significant weight loss or nutritional deficiency.

Benefits

Examples

Additional Information

• Known issues: Individuals with ARFID may experience social difficulties, psychological distress, and impaired functioning due to their restrictive eating patterns.

Related Terms

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder
• Eating Disorders

References

• Avoidant - Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
• Diagnosing Avoidant - Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: An Overview