Understanding Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by having little interest in food and being picky eaters. ARFID typically appears in young children and is more common in boys than in girls, unlike most eating disorders. Some may be underweight, but not all of them. Kids with ARFID may also suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety, OCD, autism, ADHD and may have problems at home or school. The cause for ARFID is not well known and it is believed that it's a combination of genetic, psychological and biological factors.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- ARFID

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of ARFID include lack of interest in eating, not feeling hungry, not getting tempted by smell, taste or color of food. Some may also be afraid of feeling pain, choking or vomiting when they eat.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Further evaluation may include blood tests for nutritional deficits, urine tests or an electrocardiogram.

Treatment

Treatment includes medical, nutritional and psychological consultation. Psychological treatment may include cognitive- behavioral therapy, some medicines may be given to treat comorbidities and a dietitian may help the kids and his parents work on a menu.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital