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ARFID

ARFID is an eating disorder in which someone avoids or restricts food so much that nutrition, growth or daily life suffers, without fear of weight gain being the main reason.

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  • ARFID is an eating disorder in which someone eats too little or too limited a range because of low interest, sensory sensitivity and/or fear of consequences such as choking or vomiting.
  • The restriction leads to weight loss or poor growth, nutritional deficiencies, reliance on supplements or tube feeding, or clear difficulties in daily life.
  • Fear of becoming fat or dissatisfaction with body shape is not central to ARFID; if it is, anorexia or another eating disorder also needs consideration.
  • ARFID occurs in both children and adults and is more than ordinary pickiness.
  • Autism, ADHD, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems and a distressing eating experience can coexist with ARFID.
  • Treatment combines medical and nutritional monitoring with gradual exposure and work on anxiety or sensory problems.
  • Forcing, shaming and hiding new foods in familiar foods often increase anxiety and conflict.
  • Not drinking, drowsiness, fainting, severe weakness, rapid weight loss or signs of refeeding complications are an emergency.

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Further reading

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E
Eating problemsAn eating problem means that eating, appetite or food choices are difficult, without the reason yet being clear. Physical illness, swallowing problems, pain, stress, sensory sensitivity, food shortages or an emerging eating disorder may contribute. Have persistent symptoms, growth or weight changes and warning signs assessed.
E
Eating disordersAn eating disorder is a serious mental health condition in which eating, body image or behaviour around food disrupt health and daily life. You can be seriously ill at any weight. Early treatment improves the chance of recovery; have physical warning signs and safety concerns assessed immediately.
A
Anorexia nervosaAnorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder involving food restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight and often a distorted body image.