Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Signs and Symptoms of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating or feeding disturbance characterized by a persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs. This may result in significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, reliance on enteral feeding or oral nutritional supplements, or marked interference with psychosocial functioning. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body weight or shape. Instead, food avoidance may be related to sensory sensitivities, fear of adverse consequences such as choking or vomiting, lack of interest in eating, or difficulty tolerating certain textures, tastes, or smells.
ARFID can affect children, adolescents, and adults and may significantly impact physical health, growth, energy levels, and emotional well-being. Individuals may experience anxiety around meals, avoid eating in social settings, or struggle to maintain adequate nutrition despite wanting to do so. Over time, ARFID can interfere with school, work, relationships, and daily routines. Because symptoms may appear subtle or long-standing, ARFID is sometimes misunderstood or overlooked, making accurate diagnosis and treatment especially important.
Treatment for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies have been shown to be effective in treating symptoms of ARFID. CBT helps individuals identify and gradually challenge avoidance patterns related to food, while building flexibility around eating and addressing fears or beliefs that interfere with adequate nutrition. Treatment often includes gradual exposure to new or feared foods in a structured, supportive way to increase tolerance and variety.
DBT strategies are particularly helpful when ARFID is associated with high anxiety, emotional distress, or difficulty coping with discomfort. DBT focuses on developing skills in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and mindfulness, allowing individuals to manage anxiety related to eating without avoidance. Treatment for ARFID is often collaborative and may include nutritional support and medical monitoring. With consistent, individualized care, many individuals experience improved nutritional intake, reduced anxiety around food, and better overall functioning.
Fees
Individual Sessions
(45-minutes)
/session
Parent Training Sessions
(45-minutes)
/session
Couples
(45-minutes)
/session
Adults DBT Groups Sessions
(2-hours)
/session for six months to 1-year
Multi-Family Skills Group
(2-hours)
/session for 24-weeks
Insurance
We do not accept insurance (most specialists do not), but many of our clients are able to get partial reimbursement from their insurance companies through their out-of-network benefits. We are happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit an out-of-network claim to your insurance company.
Begin Your Healing Journey
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we are committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ARFID different from picky eating?
ARFID involves significant nutritional, medical, or psychosocial impairment, whereas picky eating does not typically interfere with health or daily functioning.
Is ARFID related to body image concerns?
No. ARFID is not driven by fear of weight gain or body dissatisfaction, which distinguishes it from other eating disorders.
Who can be diagnosed with ARFID?
ARFID can affect people of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults.
Can ARFID improve with treatment?
Yes. Evidence-based treatments like CBT and DBT can significantly improve eating patterns, reduce anxiety, and support nutritional health.
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Begin Your Healing Journey
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we are committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.