Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a diagnosis that has been acknowledged relatively recently (in 2013). It may be informally known as Selective Eating Disorder (SED). ARFID may occur during childhood, but it can also develop in adults. Currently, little is known about effective treatments and interventions and the course of illness for individuals who develop ARFID. Other unknown factors include the age at which ARFID develops and whether or not it presents as a risk factor for later-onset eating disorders.
In ARFID, a person may experience food disturbances to the point that they do not meet their appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs. This may be underlined by factors such as avoidance due to the sensory characteristics of food, a lack of interest in eating or food, or worries about the consequences of eating.
Individuals affected by ARFID may present with:
- Clinically significant restrictive eating leading to weight loss, or a lack of weight gain
- Nutritio...
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