ARFID Statistics & Facts
What are the facts about ARFID?
In addition to understanding the symptoms, causes, health risks and treatment options for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), it’s also important to understand the facts and statistics.
What are the Facts About ARFID?
- ARFID is more common in children and young adolescents and less common in late adolescence and adulthood.1
- ARFID is often associated with psychiatric co-morbidity, especially with anxious and obsessive compulsive features.1
- ARFID is more than just “picky eating;” children do not grow out of it and often become malnourished because of the limited variety of foods they will eat.2
- The true prevalence of ARFID is still being studied, but preliminary estimates suggest it may affect as many as 5 percent of children.2
- Boys may have a higher risk for ARFID than girls.2
- 63 percent of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists were unfamiliar with the diagnosis of ARFID
- Rates of ARFID are between 5% and 14% in pediatric inpatient ED programs and up to 22.5% in a pediatric eating disorder day treatment program.4
- Prevalence in the general population is not known.4
- ARFID affects more males than females5
1. ARFID: Some new twists and some old themes. Ovidio Bermudez, MD, FAAP, FSAHM, FAED, F.iaedp, CEDS. (2016)
2. Norris, M. L., Spettigue, W., & Katzman, D. K. (2016). Update on eating disorders: current perspectives on avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder in children and youth. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 12, 213-218.
3. Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program
4. Norris, M. L., Spettigue, W., & Katzman, D. K. (2016). Update on eating disorders: current perspectives on avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder in children and youth. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 12, 213-218.
5. Eddy, K. T., Thomas, J. J., Hastings, E. R., Edkins, K., Lamont, E., Nevins, C. M., . . . Becker, A. E. (2015). Prevalence of DSM-5 Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in a pediatric gastroenterology healthcare network. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 48(5), 464-470.
What are the Facts About ARFID?
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What are the symptoms of ARFID?
As with other eating disorders, ARFID has no singular cause. However, the evolving scientific literature suggests that this pattern of disordered eating develops from a complex interplay between genetic, psychological and sociocultural factors.
Learn more about these contributing factors. -
Does ARFID cause any health risks?
There are many health risks associated with ARFID, including weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.
Learn more about ARFID’s impact on physical health. -
How is ARFID treated?
ARFID treatment is unique to each patient’s needs. Medical stabilization, psychiatric stabilization, nutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration (when appropriate) are considered when determining a patient’s treatment plan.
Learn more about ARFID treatment. -
ARFID Facts & Statistics.
There are many misconceptions about ARFID, including the fact that is is simply “picky eating.”
Educate yourself about ARFID facts and statistics. -
Do I have ARFID? Take our ARFID Self-Assessment Quiz.
If you or a loved one struggle with some of the symptoms described here, it may be worth speaking with a clinician and considering treatment options.
Take a short self-assessment.
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At Eating Recovery Center, our Master’s-level clinicians are specially-trained and can speak with you about your concerns. Please call us at 877-825-8584 to schedule a free consultation.
Reviewed by
Elizabeth Easton, PsyD
Elizabeth Easton, Psy.D. is the National Director of Psychotherapy for Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center. She has played a vital role in the creation and development of…
