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ARFID — Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Non-Body-Image Eating Disorder Across the Lifespan

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Psikiyatri department. Book Appointment →

What is ARFID — Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?

A feeding and eating disorder defined by persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional or energy needs

Three primary clinical phenotypes include sensory sensitivity, fear of aversive consequences, and lack of interest in eating

Distinguished from anorexia nervosa by absence of body image disturbance or weight phobia

Frequently coexists with autism spectrum, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and gastrointestinal conditions

Recognized across pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations with variable presentations

Symptoms

Significant weight loss, growth faltering, or failure to gain expected weight in children
Nutritional deficiencies leading to anemia, electrolyte imbalance, or vitamin shortages
Dependence on enteral feeding or oral nutritional supplements for energy needs
Marked psychosocial interference with school, work, family meals, and social events
Anxiety, mealtime distress, food refusal, or fear of vomiting and choking

Risk Factors

Autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, and gastrointestinal sensitivity
Anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic feeding aversion
Choking, vomiting, or allergic reaction events triggering avoidance
Female and male individuals across pediatric, adolescent, and adult age groups
Family eating culture, parental anxieties, and limited exposure to varied foods

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Weight loss, growth concerns, or fatigue alongside restricted food intake
  • Failure of dietary advice in primary care and ongoing nutritional inadequacy
  • Anxiety, panic, or refusal at meals interfering with daily life
  • Need to differentiate from anorexia nervosa, gastrointestinal disorder, or oropharyngeal dysphagia
  • Children needing developmental and feeding therapy assessment

Treatment Methods

01
Multidisciplinary care involving psychiatry, dietetics, gastroenterology, and feeding therapy
02
Cognitive-behavioral therapy adapted for ARFID (CBT-AR) with graded exposure to feared foods
03
Family-based therapy in children and adolescents to support refeeding and exposure
04
Nutritional rehabilitation, supplements, and enteral feeding when medically necessary
05
Treatment of comorbid anxiety, OCD, and ADHD with appropriate pharmacotherapy

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Psikiyatri department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.