Condition Menu

What causes ARFID?

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.

Sociocultural factors

Cultural pressures to eat clean/pure/healthy as well as increased interests in food processing, sourcing, packing and the environmental impact can influence food beliefs and intake.

Psychological factors

Anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms tend to accompany eating disturbances, as do co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders.

ARFID requires specialized treatment

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.

Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center are accredited through the Joint Commission. This organization seeks to enhance the lives of the persons served in healthcare settings through a consultative accreditation process emphasizing quality, value and optimal outcomes of services.

Organizations that earn the Gold Seal of Approval™ have met or exceeded The Joint Commission’s rigorous performance standards to obtain this distinctive and internationally recognized accreditation. Learn more about this accreditation here.

Joint Commission Seal