ARFID Awareness UK

Summary

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new term, that was introduced in 2013 when it first appeared in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It has also previously been known as Selective Eating Disorder.

ARFID is the UK’s only registered charity dedicated to raising awareness and furthering information about avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Their website provides up-to-date relevant information, research and support.

Content

ARFID is characterised by a pattern of eating that avoids certain foods or food groups entirely and/or is restricted in quantity (eating small amounts). Avoidant and restrictive eating cannot be due to lack of available food, or cultural norms (e.g. someone who is fasting or chooses not to eat certain foods for religious or cultural reasons alone).

 ARFID is different to other restrictive eating disorders in that:

• ARFID isn't affected by a person’s beliefs about the size and shape of their body.
• Someone with ARFID doesn't restrict their food intake for the specific purpose of losing weight.
• ARFID doesn’t feature some of the other behaviours that can be associated with anorexia, bulimia, or OSFED, such as over-exercising.