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

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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - ARFID

General

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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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.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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