Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is more than just picky eating. It’s a complex eating disorder that can affect people of all ages. At ABBI Clinic, we understand how disruptive ARFID can be to daily life and overall well-being.
But what exactly causes ARFID? And how can we manage or overcome it?
In this guide, we explore what causes ARFID, signs, and support available in the UK.
What is ARFID?
ARFID is a condition where a person avoids or restricts food. This avoidance isn’t related to body image concerns, unlike anorexia or bulimia. Instead, it can stem from sensory issues, fear of choking, or a lack of interest in eating.
Symptoms of ARFID include:
- Significant weight loss (or failure to grow in children)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Reliance on supplements or tube feeding
- Interference with daily social functions (e.g., avoiding meals with others)
What Causes ARFID?
There is no single cause of ARFID. It often develops due to a combination of psychological, physical, and environmental factors. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Sensory Sensitivities
One of the most common causes of ARFID is sensory processing difficulties. Many individuals with ARFID are hypersensitive to:
- Texture (e.g., mushy, crunchy, slimy)
- Smell of certain foods
- Colour or appearance of food
- Taste (bitter, spicy, bland)
This leads to strong aversions and avoidance of certain food groups, often limiting the diet to a few ‘safe’ foods.
2. Traumatic Food Experiences
Negative experiences around food can contribute to ARFID. These may include:
- Choking incidents
- Vomiting episodes
- Food poisoning
- Being forced to eat disliked foods
These traumatic memories can trigger anxiety or even phobic reactions to food, leading to long-term avoidance.
3. Anxiety Disorders & Mental Health Conditions
ARFID often coexists with anxiety, OCD, or autism spectrum disorders. In these cases, food-related anxieties can dominate eating behaviours.
For example:
- A child with generalised anxiety disorder may fear contamination from food.
- Someone with autism may find unpredictable textures overwhelming.
- A person with OCD may avoid foods perceived as “unsafe” or “unclean”.
📘 External Resource: NHS Eating Disorder Information
4. Lack of Interest in Eating
Some people with ARFID simply do not find eating enjoyable or necessary. This could be due to:
- Low hunger cues
- Disinterest in taste or food culture
- Chronic digestive discomfort (e.g., IBS or reflux)
This indifference to food can result in nutritional imbalances and social withdrawal.
5. Developmental and Neurological Conditions
Children with autism, ADHD, or sensory integration disorder are more likely to develop ARFID. These conditions can impact how food is experienced and processed.
Common behaviours include:
- Fixation on certain foods
- Strict routines around meals
- Extreme distress when new foods are introduced
6. Family and Environmental Factors
Home environment plays a key role in eating habits. Factors that may increase ARFID risk include:
- Overly controlling or anxious parenting styles
- Lack of food variety in early years
- High-pressure mealtimes
- Sibling modelling of fussy eating
💡 Tip: Creating a low-pressure, routine mealtime can help ease food anxiety.
How is ARFID Diagnosed?
Diagnosing ARFID involves a multi-disciplinary assessment. At ABBI Clinic, we assess:
- Medical history
- Nutritional intake
- Psychological background
- Behavioural patterns
We may also rule out physical conditions like allergies or gastrointestinal disorders.
🔗 Related: Our ARFID Treatment Approach
Who is at Risk for ARFID?
While ARFID can affect anyone, some groups are more at risk:
- Children and adolescents
- Individuals with autism or sensory processing disorder
- People with history of trauma or anxiety
- Those with other mental health challenges
It’s important to spot early signs and seek professional help if symptoms persist.
Why Early Intervention Matters?
ARFID can lead to serious health complications if untreated, including:
- Malnutrition
- Delayed growth in children
- Weakened immune system
- Emotional and social isolation
The earlier ARFID is addressed, the better the recovery outcomes.
How ABBI Clinic Can Help?
At ABBI Clinic, we take a compassionate, patient-centred approach to ARFID treatment.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis
- Tailored psychological therapy
- Nutritional counselling with expert dietitians
- Family-based interventions
- Support for co-occurring conditions like anxiety or autism
We work with individuals of all ages, offering both in-clinic and virtual support across the UK.
📞 Ready to speak with a specialist? Book a consultation
Top Strategies for Managing ARFID
Here are a few proven strategies that we use and recommend:
1. Gradual Exposure
- Introduce new foods one at a time
- Use visual and smell exposure before tasting
- Celebrate small wins
2. Sensory Desensitisation
- Use play-based feeding therapy for children
- Explore non-food textures first
- Build trust with the process
3. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Address food-related fears and distorted thoughts
- Build coping strategies for anxiety
- Encourage positive reinforcement for food trials
4. Collaborative Meals
- Keep mealtimes stress-free
- Avoid force-feeding
- Model healthy eating habits
Frequently Asked Questions about ARFID
- Is ARFID the same as picky eating?
No. Picky eating is common in children and usually resolves. ARFID is more severe, persistent, and often linked to anxiety or sensory issues.
- Can adults have ARFID?
Yes. While often diagnosed in childhood, many adults live with undiagnosed ARFID.
- Is ARFID curable?
With the right support and therapy, many people improve significantly. Early intervention makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts: Understanding ARFID is the First Step
ARFID is a complex but treatable condition. Whether you’re a parent noticing signs in your child or an adult struggling silently, you’re not alone.
At ABBI Clinic, we specialise in ARFID diagnosis and treatment in the UK. Our multidisciplinary team is here to guide you toward healthier, more enjoyable eating.
Take the first step today.