What Is ARFID? Understanding Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Understanding Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
If you’ve ever struggled with extremely limited eating, food-related anxiety, or have a loved one who seems “picky” to an intense degree, it could be something more than just preference.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder—commonly referred to as ARFID—is a lesser-known but very real eating disorder that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and emotional health.
In today’s post, we’re breaking down what ARFID is, how it differs from other eating disorders, and why recognizing the signs early can make all the difference.
What Is ARFID?
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is characterized by a persistent pattern of eating that avoids certain foods or food groups. This can be due to sensory sensitivities (like texture, smell, or temperature), a fear of choking or vomiting, or a general lack of interest in eating. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID isn’t driven by concerns about body image or a desire to lose weight.
People with ARFID often experience:
Extremely limited diets (sometimes only a handful of foods)
Nutritional deficiencies and unintended weight loss (as a result of their limited diets)
Anxiety or fear related to eating or trying new foods
Social struggles, especially around meals or food-related gatherings
ARFID vs. “Picky Eating”
It’s common for children to go through picky eating phases, but ARFID goes beyond that. Picky eaters may resist vegetables or prefer certain brands, but their diets are usually varied enough to meet nutritional needs. With ARFID, the eating limitations are more rigid, long-lasting, and often cause distress or interfere with daily life.
ARFID can affect people of all ages, but it is most often diagnosed in children, adolescents, or young adults. Importantly, it’s not something someone can simply “grow out of” or “push through”—especially if it’s tied to anxiety or past traumatic experiences with food (such as allergic reactions or choking incidents).
Why Early Intervention Matters
One of the biggest risks with ARFID is nutritional deficiency and the physical consequences that come from severely limited food intake. But just as important are the emotional and social impacts: isolation at mealtimes, fear of dining out, or anxiety around school lunches and sleepovers.
Getting support early can prevent long-term complications and improve overall quality of life. Therapy can help individuals:
Challenge fears and build tolerance to new foods
Address underlying anxiety or trauma around eating
Develop structured exposure strategies in a safe, supportive way
Work collaboratively with dietitians or medical providers to ensure physical health is also supported
How ARFID Therapy Can Help
Working with a therapist who understands ARFID is essential. Treatment often includes a combination of CBT-based strategies, exposure work, and psychoeducation to help clients understand their eating patterns without shame or blame. For younger clients, working collaboratively with parents is key to building support at home and making mealtimes feel safer.
If you're a parent or caregiver and you’ve noticed your child’s eating habits are interfering with their growth, health, or social life, don’t wait to seek support. And if you’re an adult struggling with ARFID yourself, know that you’re not alone—and that healing is absolutely possible.
Final Thoughts
ARFID is a complex and often misunderstood eating disorder, but support is available. Whether you or your loved one is experiencing severe food aversions, anxiety around meals, or difficulty maintaining a balanced diet, know that this isn’t just about “being difficult”—it’s about getting the care and support you need to thrive.
Looking for support?
I offer virtual therapy for individuals struggling with ARFID and other eating disorders on Long Island, in New York and Florida. You don’t have to navigate this alone—schedule a free consultation to learn how therapy can help.
Coming Soon: How to Help a Loved One Struggling with an Eating Disorder
In our next blog post, we’ll be talking about how to help a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder—including what to say, what not to say, and how to truly support them without enabling disordered behaviors. Stay tuned!
*Disclaimer* - I am not a medical doctor and this post does not constitute as medical advice. This post is derived from my experience working with clients, research and collaborating with medical professionals.