The Different Types of ARFID and How They Show Up

ARFID is one of the most misunderstood eating disorders out there, often dismissed or minimized because it doesn’t fit the narrative many people associate with eating disorders.

But ARFID is very real and can show up in multiple different ways depending on the person.

What is ARFID?

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is an eating disorder that shows up as extreme avoidance of certain foods or types of foods.

Unlike other eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, ARFID isn’t heavily linked to body image issues or weight concerns — though its effects can be just as harmful.

ARFID is sometimes overlooked as “just picky eating,” but the two aren’t the same. ARFID goes much deeper than being a picky eater, categorized by symptoms like:

• Avoiding foods due to texture or consistency
• Refusing to try new foods
• Requiring food to be prepared a certain way
• Inflexible eating habits
• Feeling afraid to eat

While ARFID seems to appear most often in children, it can and DOES present in adults as well (I see it all the time with clients!). Unfortunately, adult ARFID just isn’t discussed as much because there’s fewer research and studies on it — but it is possible to develop the disorder later in life or have undiagnosed childhood ARFID continue and evolve into adulthood.

The Three Types of ARFID in Children and Adults

You might have an assumption about what ARFID looks like, but there are three main ways it typically presents.

Sensory Sensitivity ARFID

Also sometimes referred to as avoidant, this type of ARFID involves avoiding certain foods for sensory reasons — how they look, smell, taste, or feel.

Imagine biting into something mushy if you dislike mushy textures. While that may be mildly off-putting to someone without ARFID, to someone with this type of ARFID, an experience like this could cause very real distress.

This type of ARFID is the one that’s most commonly brushed off as picky eating (especially in kids). But the reality is it’s a legitimate, overwhelming aversion that can severely limit someone’s diet. It’s not as simple as “just eat” or “get over it.” If someone with sensory sensitivity ARFID doesn’t have access to safe foods, they often just won’t eat at all.

Aversive ARFID

People with the aversive type of ARFID struggle to eat certain foods because of strong fears. Usually, these fears are of things like:

• Choking
• Nausea or vomiting
• Allergic reactions
• Gagging or other painful sensations

For example, someone who once choked on a piece of food may become terrified of eating that same food again. Or someone with health anxiety might worry that new foods could cause an allergic reaction and restrict their diet to only known, “safe” foods.

Sometimes, fears can be so persistent that someone with this type of ARFID starts avoiding food altogether and struggles to eat at all.

Lack of Interest ARFID

Lack of interest ARFID (also called restrictive ARFID) shows up as little to no interest in food and eating. It’s not that people with this type are afraid of eating or are trying to avoid it for body image reasons. It’s just that they don’t feel motivated to eat, or they forget about mealtimes altogether.

People with this type of ARFID often feel like eating is a chore and stick to a narrow range of foods or only eat sporadically, which can lead to weight loss and nutrient deficiencies long-term.

Is it possible to have multiple types of ARFID?

It’s totally possible to have overlapping presentations of ARFID, so if your symptoms don’t fit neatly into one of the three types, it doesn’t mean you don’t have the disorder.

Adults with ARFID are more likely to experience overlapping symptoms than children. Why? If you have ARFID that’s gone undiagnosed into adulthood, you’ve likely spent years dealing with your symptoms and developing coping mechanisms for it, so the condition has evolved over time. The stresses of adult life can also contribute to new triggers later in life.

What Does ARFID Treatment Look Like?

Treatment for ARFID largely depends on the presentation type, but is also customized based on the individual’s unique needs.

• Sensory sensitivity ARFID: Treatment often involves gradual, gentle food exposure, with the goal of expanding the “safe foods” list slowly over time.
• Fear of aversive ARFID: Tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alongside nutrition support to work through the underlying anxiety is common.
• Lack of interest ARFID: Since appetite and motivation are the main barriers here, treatment often focuses on building structure around meals and snacks, as well as addressing any nutrient deficiencies or weight loss.

ARFID treatment may involve a team approach including your healthcare provider and a therapist and/or dietitian like me.

How a Dietitian Can Help If You’re Struggling With ARFID

Working with a dietitian who understands ARFID can make a huge difference, especially since there are a lot of misconceptions about it.

My role as an eating disorder dietitian isn’t to brush off your triggers or tell you to “just eat.” My approach is to meet you exactly where you’re at and build a nutrition plan that respects your fears, sensitivities, or lack of appetite while eventually working toward a more well-nourished life.

Learn more about nutrition counseling available in California and virtually to clients in 14 states.