ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a relatively new diagnosis in the field of eating disorders that has been getting a lot of attention.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder is often characterized as “extreme picky eating” and affects thousands of people, especially children. In ARFID, the concept of “fear food” differs from that in clients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia. People with ARFID may experience fear related to eating because they lack interest in food, worry about the food’s temperature, fear choking or getting sick, or feel anxious about trying new foods. It is characterized by persistent avoidance or restriction of food intake which may lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, that can affect daily life.
Here are some common signs of ARFID.
Overcome ARFID with Treatment
If you or somebody that you love is experiencing ARFID or ARFID tendencies, we have passionate dietitians who can help in these areas! Treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs, however, the primary goal with ARFID patients is to continue to work on increasing the variety of foods that feel safe to the patient to increase their overall intake, improve nutritional deficiency, and ensure proper growth/maintenance of an appropriate weight.
ARFID can significantly impact nutrition, growth, and daily life—but help is available. With compassionate, individualized care, individuals with ARFID can gradually expand food variety, meet their nutritional needs, and feel more confident around eating. At Branz Nutrition Counseling, our dietitians specialize in ARFID treatment for children, adolescents, and adults throughout the St. Louis area.
Support a healthier, less stressful relationship with food through outpatient ARFID nutrition counseling in the St. Louis area. Online and in-person appointments are available with expert dietitian nutritionists at Branz Nutrition Counseling.
