Last Updated:

June 24th, 2025

ARFID | Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

We all know someone who’s a picky eater. Maybe they steer clear of certain textures or stick to the same handful of meals. Most of the time, it seems like a harmless thing we joke about or simply accept. But sometimes, that avoidance becomes a lot more than just a preference: it starts interfering with every aspect of the person’s life.

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What is ARFID?

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a type of eating disorder where certain foods, or even entire eating situations, are avoided. This might be because of how the food tastes, smells or feels or because eating triggers fear or discomfort. Some people worry that something bad will happen, like choking or being physically sick. Others feel a strong physical reaction to certain textures.

What makes ARFID different from other eating disorders is that it has nothing to do with body image or a desire to lose weight. The person isn’t trying to change how they look. They’re trying to feel safe.

But over time, these patterns can lead to:

  • Poor nutrition
  • Low energy
  • Delayed development in children
  • Growing difficulty with social life
  • Self-confidence issues

 

What may cause ARFID?

There’s no clear-cut reason why someone develops ARFID, and researchers are still working to understand the condition fully. That said, a number of patterns and potential explanations have been identified by professionals in the field. These aren’t confirmed causes, but they help us understand why ARFID might develop and why it can manifest differently in each person.

Here are some of the current theories:

Sensory sensitivity
Some people with ARFID react strongly to certain textures, smells or tastes. Studies suggest they may have more active sensory pathways in the brain, especially in the insula, which helps process internal body states and physical sensations. This could make certain foods feel overwhelming or even unbearable.
Lack of appetite
Others simply don’t feel hungry in the same way. This may be linked to lower activity in parts of the brain that control appetite and satiety, making eating feel like a chore rather than a need.
Fear-based avoidance
For some, ARFID develops after a distressing event involving food, such as choking or vomiting. These individuals may have heightened fear responses, which can make eating feel unsafe.
Links with other conditions
ARFID often occurs alongside autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD or learning difficulties. These connections suggest that neurodevelopmental and psychological processes may play a key role.

What’s clear is that ARFID is not a choice. It’s something that develops quietly and gradually, and it’s often hard to explain until it starts affecting daily life.

How can I spot ARFID in my child?

The line between fussy eating and ARFID can be blurry, especially if your child has always had a selective appetite. But ARFID goes beyond preference. It has the ability to affect growth and many other areas of development, making it crucial to spot the signs early.

Here are some signs that might point to ARFID

  • Ongoing refusal to try new foods
  • Avoidance of food based on how it feels, smells or looks
  • Regular complaints of feeling full quickly or feeling unwell after eating
  • Anxiety or distress at the thought of mealtimes
  • Falling behind on weight or growth expectations

If a child’s eating habits are causing concern or making everyday life feel harder, it may be time to speak to someone who understands ARFID.

Does ARFID affect adults?

ARFID in adults often flies under the radar. People tend to develop coping strategies to avoid drawing attention to their eating, but beneath the surface, the condition can have a real impact on overall quality of life.

If you’re worried about a loved one or perhaps even yourself, here’s what to look out for:

  • A long-standing pattern of restricted eating that doesn’t involve weight loss goals
  • Discomfort or anxiety around unfamiliar food situations
  • Ongoing health problems linked to poor nutrition
  • Social withdrawal that seems tied to eating environments

If you’re worried about an adult loved one, the approach is similar to helping a child: reach out to professionals who understand ARFID and can guide the next steps.

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How is ARFID treated?

ARFID treatment often involves both psychological and nutritional support, working together to help someone feel safer and more capable around food. Here’s a closer look at how:

Nutritional support

One of the main goals in treating ARFID is improving nutritional intake and reintroducing a wider range of foods in a way that feels manageable. This often starts with small changes and builds slowly. Dietitians who specialise in eating disorders play a key role, especially when helping children and families find balanced, structured eating routines.

In more severe cases, nutritional deficiencies may need urgent attention. This could involve short-term use of supplements or even hospital care where nasogastric feeding might be necessary.

As the person’s intake improves, foods they used to enjoy can be brought back in, helping them get closer to a more typical and flexible diet.

Psychological support

Alongside nutritional care, therapy helps address the mental and emotional patterns that sit behind food avoidance. Depending on the person’s needs, treatment might involve individual cognitive behavioural therapy, exposure therapy or family-based approaches.

Some therapists work closely with parents or caregivers, especially when a child’s anxiety plays a big role in how they eat. Their aim is to shift the emotional experience of eating so it becomes something that feels possible again.

Together, these approaches support long-term progress, one step at a time.

Does ARFID ever need inpatient care?

Sometimes it does. If someone’s physical health is at serious risk or if the condition has reached a point where daily life feels unmanageable, inpatient treatment can offer a more stable environment to begin recovery.

In this setting, the person is surrounded by professionals who understand what they’re going through. They’re given structure and space to focus entirely on healing without the daily triggers or routines that may have made things worse at home. It’s not a quick fix, but it can provide the foundation someone needs to start building new patterns and confidence.

How Addiction Helper can support recovery from ARFID

ARFID isn’t always easy to recognise, and for many people, it takes years before they realise they’re not alone. At Addiction Helper, we’re here to make that next step easier. Whether you’re looking for therapy, inpatient care or nutritional advice, we can help you find support that suits your needs.

There’s no perfect time to reach out; just the moment you decide you don’t want to stay stuck. Recovery is possible, and we’re here when you’re ready.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is ARFID different from anorexia?
ARFID isn’t linked to weight or body image. People avoid food because of fear, discomfort or lack of interest, not because they’re trying to be thinner or change how they look.
Can ARFID lead to nutritional deficiencies?
Yes, especially when the person eats only a limited range of foods over time. This can quietly lead to low energy, slower growth and health issues that may need professional support.
Is ARFID treatable?
It is, but treatment works best when it’s tailored to the person. With the right kind of help, people can gradually eat more freely and feel more confident around food again.

(Click here to see works cited)

  • Ramirez Z, Gunturu S. Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. [Updated 2024 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603710/