What is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?

6. Causes

Scientists do not fully understand what causes avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, but research suggests that a few factors may make it more likely that someone will develop ARFID. These factors include a history of gastrointestinal problems, like acid reflux or vomiting, or mental health conditions like OCD, anxiety, or autism.

Children with ARFID are also more likely to have mothers with an eating disorder or parents with anxiety. Research also suggests that changes in brain activation may play a role. In people with ARFID, brain activity is increased in the parts of the brain that process attention, emotional regulation, rewards, and body signals.