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1295 Bandana Boulevard West
Suite 310 & 210
St. Paul, MN 55108
P: 651-645-5323
F: 651-621-8490
Toll-Free: 1-888-364-5977

About Eating Disorders

What is ARFID?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is characterized by a persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs as a result of eating or feeding disturbances such as an apparent lack of interest in food, avoidance due to the sensory qualities of food, and/or concern over adverse consequences of eating food.

These disturbances are not associated with distorted body image or body dissatisfaction, but are associated with significant weight loss or faltering growth/developmental patterns (in children and adolescents); dependence on enteral feeding or oral nutritional supplements; and/or marked interference with psychosocial functioning. ARFID differs from most other eating disorders in that the physiological effects of the food are not the primary concern, in as much as the food itself is the concern for those suffering from the disorder. These disturbances cannot be better explained by a lack of food, cultural practices, or a concurrent medical condition or mental disorder.

Individuals with ARFID may experience extreme emotional dysregulation and anxiety around mealtimes, have a fear of vomiting or choking, and/or undergo thorough testing for chronic abdominal pain with no satisfactory findings.

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What are the causes of ARFID?

Like all eating disorders, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder develops over a period of time as a result of a complicated blend of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. There is no single cause to point to and, despite common misconceptions, families, and communities of support are not to blame. In fact, they are often recovery’s strongest ally. Many individuals have genetic predispositions to ARFID that, depending on environmental influences, may or may not be awakened over the course of their lifetime. The mean age of diagnosis is 11 years; however, symptoms may present in infancy or early childhood.

For those suffering from ARFID, early treatment is paramount to a renewed healthy relationship with food and nutrition. Common causes of ARFID include:

  • Malnutrition-induced changes in physiological processes and altered hunger and fullness signals
  • Experiencing a traumatic event
  • Genetic predisposition and societal pressures (e.g., drive for thinness)
  • Abnormal brain circuitry and weakened food-related reward pathways
  • Temperamental traits
  • Anxiety
individual looking down

What are the Signs and Symptoms of ARFID?

Being familiar with the signs and symptoms of ARFID can help you champion early intervention and recovery through ARFID treatment near you. Watch for dysregulated emotions around mealtimes, significant weight loss, and a failure to meet nutritional needs and growth trajectories. Associated disorders, or “comorbidities,” include anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and cognitive disorders.

  • Weight loss and nutritional deficiencies
  • Failure to meet growth trajectories
  • Emotional dysregulation and high anxiety around mealtimes
  • Chronic abdominal pain lacking an apparent cause
  • Fears or phobias around illness, choking, or vomiting
  • Neutral or positive body image

What are the Long-Term Risks of ARFID?

ARFID can have extreme medical and physiological consequences that may or may not resolve completely during recovery.

  • Cognitive impairment
  • Delayed puberty or dysregulation of reproductive hormones
  • Impaired brain functioning and signaling
  • Weakened food-related reward pathways
  • Chronic abdominal pain, fatigue, and headaches

Learn about our eating disorder treatment centers.

mother and child hugging

Is ARFID Treatment Near You an Option?

If you or a loved one are struggling with ARFID, don’t wait to reach out for help. The earlier ARFID is treated, the better the outcomes tend to be. ARFID treatment must be holistic and well-informed by the symptoms that accompany the disorder in each case that it arises, and Veritas Collaborative understands the importance of treating you as the unique person you are.

At Veritas Collaborative, we work with you to create an individualized care plan so you or your child get the right treatment at the right time. We offer a full continuum of care, which includes inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, and virtual programs for children, adolescents, and adults. This allows us to provide best-in-class care and support throughout your recovery journey, even as your needs change. Our treatment programs focus on real-life skills, including hands-on nutrition and culinary experiences that you can take with you for lasting recovery. We encourage family involvement and offer family-based therapy and educational support for children and adolescents.

Ask for help. You are not alone. Begin healing today.

Get Help for ARFID

Key Takeaways about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

What is ARFID?

ARFID is defined by an ongoing inability to fulfill proper nutritional and caloric requirements. This stems from issues related to eating or feeding, such as disinterest in food, aversion to certain textures or flavors, or worries about the negative effects of consuming food.

Unlike other types of eating disorders, ARFID doesn’t involve a skewed body image or dissatisfaction with one’s body. However, it can result in notable weight reduction, developmental delays, and social or psychological issues.

Causes of ARFID

The development of ARFID is a gradual process influenced by a mix of genetic, biological, and situational factors. There’s no singular cause, and it’s important to note that family and community support systems are not at fault.

The average age for diagnosis is around 11 years, although symptoms can appear earlier. Contributing factors may include changes induced by malnutrition, exposure to traumatic events, and societal norms.

Signs and Symptoms of ARFID

Emotional instability and heightened anxiety during meal times are typical.

Other warning signs encompass substantial weight loss, failure to achieve expected growth milestones, and unexplained chronic abdominal discomfort.

Risks and Consequences

Untreated ARFID can result in cognitive deficits, delayed onset of puberty, compromised brain activity, and other physiological complications.

Treatment and Support

Early intervention and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.

Veritas Collaborative offers a range of eating disorder treatment programs focusing on real-life skills and encourages family involvement for comprehensive care.