Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Critically, Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is not related to body image. People with ARFID often struggle with low body weight, or low body size due to poor nutrition. With ARFID, the avoidance and the restriction of food comes from other factors, such as food textures, fear of choking, fear of vomiting (emetophobia), or other anxieties. According to the DMS-5, ARFID cannot be diagnosed in the presence of another eating disorder, though there can be overlapping symptoms.
While it is common for ARFID and neurodivergence to overlap, it is not solely autistic people who live with ARFID. There are common comorbidities, such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, but not all people living with ARFID experience these. Some may experience physical challenges when eating, such as difficulty swallowing, or gastrointestinal discomfort, which may lead to the development of ARFID. It is entirely possible for ARFID to be present in its own right. ARFID may also cause physical symptoms such as anaemia, nutritional deficiencies, brain fog, and sleep problems. There can be signs of ARFID in blood test results too, such as low potassium.
Below, I have shared some of my own videos on living with ARFID, as well as emetophobia. There are also some general ARFID resources below. Nothing shared is meant to be used as a diagnostic tool or medical advice.
I Have Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
An introduction to what Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, also known as ARFID, is, and how it affects my life. I talk about the interplay with other mental health conditions, and dispel some myths about it. ARFID is a complex mental health condition which needs further research into treatments and support.
ARFID Recovery: Where Am I Now?
Recovery when it comes to ARFID is poorly understood. This video talks about what ARFID recovery means to me, and how I got here. I ask, “at what point do I not have ARFID any more?”, and discuss the thought processes that still affect me on a daily basis. Is ARFID about more than just what we eat?
Useful Websites
ARFID Awareness UK
ARFID Awareness UK supports people in the UK who are living with ARFID, and their friends and family. They provide information about the disorder, diagnosis pathways, some potential treatments, and overlapping conditions.
BEAT: ARFID
Beat is a charity that supports people with eating disorders, and their loved ones. They work with the NHS to provide services, and educate and inform about treatment guidelines, signs, symptoms, and research.
NEDA: ARFID
The National Eating Disorders Association is based in Texas, USA, and provides information and US-based advice for people affected by ARFID. The information is also available in Spanish.
Max Fisher RSci 