Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, more commonly known as ARFID, is a condition characterised by the person avoiding certain foods or types of food, having restricted intake in terms of overall amount eaten, or both. Anyone of any age can have ARFID. It occurs in children, teenagers and adults.
Common reasons for ARFID may include:
- sensory-based avoidance or restriction of intake due to sensitivity to taste, texture, smell or appearance
- concern about the consequences of eating because of a distressing experience such as choking, vomiting or pain
- low interest in eating
There may be more than one reason behind avoidance or restriction of food. And there may not be a clear reason for developing ARFID.
ARFID can be present on its own or co-occur with other conditions such as anxiety, ADHD and autism.
Information about ARFID:
Support
If you feel your child may have ARFID, speak to your GP. They may refer to paediatricians, dieticians, mental health professionals, including the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), or other relevant services as appropriate.
Southend Essex and Thurrock Child and Adolescents Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS) have an Eating Disorder Service. The service offers assessments for ARFID for children aged 8 to 18.
Referrals can be made via the Single Point of Access on the SET CAMHS homepage. Self-referrals or referrals from professionals are accepted.
Beat have online support for those experiencing eating disorders, and those supporting them.
You can also find support for disordered eating on the NHS be body positive website including free online courses.
ARFID Awarenesss UK have a Facebook Community.