Understanding avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder is an eating disorder characterized by limited food intake due to sensory sensitivity, fear of adverse consequences from eating, or disinterest in eating. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, it may not involve concerns about body weight or shape. Diagnosis of ARFID can be challenging, especially differentiating it from anorexia. Screening tools and careful exploration of meal habits and preferences are essential to identify ARFID early and tailor treatment.