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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

What is it?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder where individuals limit the amount or types of food they consume. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns but may stem from sensitivity to food textures, colors, or fears of adverse consequences like choking.

Symptoms of ARFID

Physical Symptoms

  • Significant weight loss or failure to achieve expected weight gain.

  • Nutritional deficiencies leading to health complications.

  • Dependence on nutritional supplements or tube feeding.

Behavioral Symptoms

  • Avoidance of specific foods or entire food groups.

  • Anxiety about eating or refusal to eat certain foods due to texture, taste, or appearance.

  • Difficulty eating with others or in social settings.

Risk Factors for ARFID

What is a risk factor

A risk factor is a characteristic, condition, or behavior that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or health disorder, such as anorexia nervosa. Risk factors can be biological, psychological, or environmental. They do not guarantee that a person will develop the condition, but they can contribute to the possibility of its occurrence.

Risk factors for arfid

  • Sensory processing issues or heightened sensitivity to food textures, smells, or tastes.

  • Anxiety or fear-based reactions to food-related experiences, such as choking or vomiting.

  • Co-occurring conditions such as autism spectrum disorders or other developmental disorders.

Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve the likelihood of recovery. Seeking help at the earliest sign of symptoms can prevent long-term health problems.

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Treatment Approaches

Nutritional Rehabilitation, Psychological Interventions, Alternative and Adjunct Therapies

Nutritional Rehabilitation

Psychological Interventions

Alternative and Adjunct Therapies

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