ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It is a relatively new diagnostic category introduced in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) to describe individuals who have significant challenges with eating that are not explained by concerns about body weight or shape (as in anorexia nervosa) or by a lack of available food (as in poverty).

Key features of ARFID include:

1. Avoidance or restriction of food intake: Individuals with ARFID may avoid certain foods or entire food groups based on sensory characteristics (e.g., texture, taste, smell), fear of aversive consequences (e.g., choking, vomiting), or lack of interest in eating.
2. Nutritional deficiencies or dependence on nutritional supplements: The restrictive eating patterns seen in ARFID can lead to inadequate nutrition and reliance on nutritional supplements to meet dietary needs.
3. Interference with daily functioning: ARFID can significantly impact an individual’s ability to participate in social, occupational, or other activities that involve eating.
4. Onset in childhood or adolescence: ARFID often begins in childhood, although it can persist into adulthood if not properly treated.

Treatment for ARFID typically involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, and psychological intervention. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals expand their range of acceptable foods, challenge irrational beliefs about food, and reduce anxiety related to eating. Occupational therapy and sensory integration techniques may also be helpful, especially for individuals with sensory sensitivities related to food.

Early intervention is important in ARFID to prevent long-term nutritional deficiencies, impaired growth (in children and adolescents), and the development of other mental health conditions. Working closely with healthcare professionals, including dietitians, psychologists, and physicians, can help individuals with ARFID develop healthier eating habits and improve their overall quality of life.