Delve into the Resources

Online Articles

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Online Articles *

Alliance for Eating Disorders. “ARFID in Adults: What Are the Symptoms and How Is It Treated?” Alliance for Eating Disorders. https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/arfid-adults/#:~:text=ARFID%20in%20adults%20includes%20inflexible,is%20possible%20at%20any%20age

This article pertains specifically to how ARFID presents itself in adults and the possible treatment methods

  • Cammarata, Christina M. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/arfid.html

  • This source discusses ARFID from the perspective of parents and how they can deal with it. 

Do keep in mind that a lot of these are centered on children; ARFID is seldom researched in adults and even late teens which is why this website exists

Videos

Academic Papers

Screening for ARFID

Read the paper: Validating the Nine Item ARFID Screen

This study evaluates the Nine Item ARFID Screen (NIAS), a questionnaire exploring sensory-related food avoidance, low appetite and fear of unpleasant consequences from eating. It examines how the questionnaire can help identify different ARFID presentations and support screening. Screening results can inform further assessment, but do not replace a professional diagnosis.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Adults

Read the paper: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Adults with ARFID

This small preliminary study investigates whether adults find ARFID-focused cognitive behavioural therapy acceptable and whether it is practical to deliver. Participants were offered a structured course of outpatient treatment. The study provides early evidence about this approach, while its small, uncontrolled design means larger comparative studies are needed to establish effectiveness.

Adults’ Lived Experiences

Read the paper: A Tradeoff Between Safety and Freedom

Drawing on interviews with nine adult women with ARFID, this study explores the tension between feeling safe around familiar foods and wanting greater freedom in everyday life. Participants describe how food-related uncertainty can restrict their activities. Their accounts offer valuable personal insights, although this small group cannot represent every adult’s experience.

Interview-Based Assessment

Read the paper: Interview-Based Assessment of ARFID

This pilot study evaluates an ARFID assessment module designed for use within the Eating Disorder Examination interview. It investigates a structured approach to gathering information about avoidant and restrictive eating. The paper is relevant to readers interested in how clinical interviews can support assessment, while recognising that pilot research requires further validation.

Understanding ARFID Treatments

Read the paper: A Review of Psychological Interventions for ARFID

This review brings together 50 studies of psychological interventions for ARFID, including behavioural approaches, cognitive behavioural therapy and family therapy. It explores shared treatment components and how progress is measured. The authors highlight promising approaches while noting that small samples and inconsistent outcome measures limit the strength of existing evidence.

Medical Complications in Adults

Read the paper: Clinical Features of Adults with ARFID Requiring Medical Stabilisation

This study reviews the medical records of 122 adults with ARFID admitted to a specialist hospital unit for medical stabilisation. It examines their medical findings, accompanying psychological conditions and laboratory results. The findings help describe severe presentations of adult ARFID, rather than representing the experiences or health risks of everyone with the condition.

ARFID and Body Image

Read the paper: ARFID and Body Image—A Case Report

This case report explores body-image concerns in a child whose restrictive eating was driven by other difficulties, including low interest in food and food-related fears. It illustrates why clinicians need to understand the motivation behind eating behaviours. As a report about one child, it raises questions for assessment rather than establishing general conclusions.

Nutritional Risks of ARFID

Read the paper: Nutritional Risks of ARFID and Related Behaviour

This review explains how restricted food intake can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health difficulties. With a particular focus on children, it discusses the importance of recognising nutritional concerns during healthcare appointments. It also describes why assessment and support should reflect the severity of each person’s difficulties and may involve several healthcare professionals.

Psychological and Social Influences

Read the paper: Psychological and Sociological Influences Contributing to ARFID

This review discusses psychological, family, cultural, medical and neurodevelopmental factors that may contribute to ARFID across different age groups and genders. It also considers media influences, assessment challenges and treatment approaches. It offers a broad discussion of the literature, rather than reporting a new study demonstrating that any single factor causes ARFID.

ARFID in Adolescence

Read the paper: The Prevalence and Burden of ARFID in an Adolescent Population

This Australian survey of 5,072 adolescents examines possible ARFID alongside psychological distress and health-related quality of life. Approximately 2% met the study’s criteria for possible ARFID. The findings help explore eating difficulties beyond specialist clinics, while highlighting the need for diagnostic interviews and longer-term research to better understand their impact..