The 3 Subtypes of ARFID
Avoidant Restrictive Food intake Disorder (ARFID) is a newer eating disorder diagnosis that was added to the DSM5 in 2013. It is a feeding disturbance that interferes with an individual’s ability to meet their nutritional needs. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not characterized by body image disturbances.
There are 3 subtypes of ARFID. The first is sensory avoidance in which an individual will avoid certain types of foods due to specific tastes or textures that may be over-stimulating for them. The second type is lack of interest in eating in which a person has little-to-no interest in eating and may lack internal cues to signal them to eat such as low appetite. The final subtype is fear of aversive consequences. This is usually a result of a triggering event such as choking that leads to fear of a negative consequences happening if they eat.
Maggie has a passion for working with ARFID and is specialized in this area. If you feel that you or your loved one may be exhibiting ARFID-like symptoms, schedule with Maggie here: