Like other eating disturbances, there is no singular cause of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). However, the evolving scientific literature suggests that this pattern of disordered eating develops from a complex interplay between genetic, psychological and sociocultural factors.
Genetic factors
Eating disorders are familial illnesses, and temperamental traits predisposing individuals toward developing an illness are passed from generation to generation.
Psychological factors
Anxiousness and obsessive compulsive features tend to accompany eating disturbances, as do co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders.
Sociocultural factors
Cultural pressures to eat clean/pure/healthy as well as growing emphasis on food processing, sourcing, packing and environmental impact can influence food beliefs and intake.
The cause of ARFID requires a multi-disciplinary treatment team
ARFID is a complex eating disorder and requires highly-specialized medical, psychological and dietary care. Please call us at 877-825-8584 to learn more about the treatment options we offer at Eating Recovery Center.