Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by a person avoiding certain foods or types of food, having restricted intake in terms of overall amount, range of foods eaten, or both. ARFID is a new diagnosis in the DSM-5, and was previously referred to as “Selective Eating Disorder”. Unlike anorexia, people with ARFID aren’t worried about their body image, shape, or size. Although many children go through phases of picky or selective eating, a person with ARFID does not consume enough calories to grow and develop properly and, in adults, to maintain basic body function. In children, this results in stalled weight gain and vertical growth; in adults, this results in weight loss. ARFID can also result in problems at school or work, due to difficulties eating with others and extended times needed to eat.

The exact cause of ARFID is not known, but some experts believe that people who get it might have extreme sensitivity to taste or texture. They might have had a bad experience with food -- like choking or vomiting -- that makes them fearful or anxious about food. People most likely to get ARFID include kids with anxiety disorders, autism, ADHD, and a range of medical conditions.

ARFID is best treated by a team that includes a doctor, dietitian, and therapist who specialize in eating or feeding disorders. Treatment may include nutrition counseling, medical care, and feeding therapy. The main goals of treatment are to help the person gain weight, improve their nutrition, and reduce anxiety about food. ARFID can be hard to overcome, but learning about healthy eating and addressing fears helps many kids and teens feel better and do well.