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Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a feeding or eating disorder characterized by an eating disturbance involving avoidance or restriction of food intake, such as low interest in eating, avoidance based on the sensory characteristics of food, or concern about aversive consequences of eating. This disturbance may result in significant weight loss or impaired growth, nutritional deficiencies, dependence on enteral feeding or oral nutritional supplements, or marked interference with psychosocial functioning. Unlike anorexia nervosa, ARFID is not characterized by concerns about body weight or shape (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Understanding Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder ARFID requires attention to both psychological and nutritional factors. Assessment by qualified healthcare professionals can help identify nutritional deficiencies, growth concerns, eating-related anxiety, and sensory difficulties. Treatment is individualized and may involve medical monitoring, nutritional support, and psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for ARFID. Dietitians and mental health professionals may work together to support adequate nutrition and gradually address food-related fears or avoidance when appropriate. Early recognition can help reduce complications and improve quality of life, while treatment goals should reflect each person’s needs rather than focusing solely on weight or expanding food variety.
From a nutritional psychology perspective, ARFID highlights how sensory sensitivities, emotional responses, and learned associations can influence eating behavior. Individuals may avoid certain foods because of their texture, smell, taste, or appearance, while others may fear choking, vomiting, or experiencing physical discomfort after eating. Some people also experience limited interest in food or eating. These patterns can make it difficult to consume a varied, nutritionally adequate diet. ARFID is not simply picky eating; its effects can be persistent and severe enough to affect physical health, daily activities, and social experiences involving food.
Author and reviewer
Editorial responsibilityReferences and further reading
- Mammel, K. A., & Ornstein, R. M. (2017). Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: A new eating disorder diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 29(4), 407–413. View source
- Di Cara, M., Rizzo, C., Corallo, F., Cardile, D., Calabrò, R. S., Quartarone, A., Buda, M., & Cucinotta, F. (2023). Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder: A narrative review of types and characteristics of therapeutic interventions. Children, 10(8), 1297. View source
How to cite this entry
CNP (2026). Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). In CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.
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