Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a mental health condition characterized by insufficient nutritional intake due to the avoidance of specific foods or restriction of food quantity, without weight loss intentions or body image concerns. Individuals with ARFID may experience heightened sensitivity to food characteristics, fear of negative consequences from eating, or a general lack of interest in food, and the disorder can manifest differently among individuals.

The main signs and symptoms of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder can vary among individuals but commonly include malnutrition, weight loss, nutrient deficiencies that lead to fatigue, gut health issues, and irregular menstrual periods in women. Additionally, individuals may experience food-related distress and anxiety that affect their social and professional lives.

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the DSM, which include weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or significant distress, among others. Medical professionals also use various screening tools to differentiate ARFID from other eating disorders and to assess the severity of symptoms while ruling out other potential causes for food restriction.

Treatment for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder typically includes a combination of psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and modified family-based therapy, along with potential nutritional supplementation and pharmacological options to address anxiety and appetite. The effectiveness of these treatments requires further investigation through controlled studies.

There are no specific supplements recommended for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) due to varying nutritional deficiencies, but clinicians may prescribe temporary nutritional formulas or supplements while focusing on long-term strategies to reintroduce foods. It is common for individuals with ARFID to overuse supplements, and gradual changes in dietary habits are encouraged rather than abrupt shifts.

Diet is crucial in the development and management of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and often requires gradual changes and alternative feeding methods like tube feeding to prevent malnutrition. Tube feeding delivers nutrients directly to the gastrointestinal tract and is used alongside nutritional and psychological strategies to help reintroduce regular feeding patterns.

The Feeling and Body Investigators approach, a new treatment for ARFID, is aimed at children aged 4 to 10 and uses games to help them explore and understand uncomfortable body sensations and emotions related to food. Additionally, food chaining is another method under exploration and gradually introduces new foods by linking them to familiar, safe foods.

The exact cause of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is unknown, but it may be triggered by sensitivities to food characteristics, negative associations with food-related sensations, or lack of interest in food and is influenced by a combination of psychological, environmental, and biological factors. Additionally, genetic factors may contribute to ARFID; some studies suggest a heritability rate of up to 79%, though these findings should be interpreted with caution due to methodological limitations.