ARFID Awareness UK

We are the UK’s only registered charity dedicated to raising awareness and furthering information about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. As a not-for-profit, we work to provide individuals, parents, carers and medical professionals with up-to-date relevant information, research and support.

We want to remove the uncertainty, ambiguity and frustration experienced by parents, carers and individuals over obtaining a diagnosis and treatment by providing general advice that may improve their journey.

Equally, we are committed to supporting medical professionals across varying specialities, by equipping them with the information they need to ensure that their patients receive an early diagnosis and have access to appropriate care.​

History

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.

It is anticipated that it will similarly, make its debut in the World Health Organisation’s next edition of its equivalent (the ICD). Favoured by European countries, the next edition of the ICD (ICD-11) was presented at the World Health Assembly in May 2019 for adoption by Member States, and will come into effect on 1 January 2022.

The entry of ARFID into the DSM-5 was significant in that it had previously existed under an umbrella term used to encompass all ‘other infant and early childhood’ feeding disorders.

More than just ‘picky eating’

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.

How can I access it?

Visit the ARFID Awareness UK website by clicking here: https://www.arfidawarenessuk.org/