ARFID Explained: What It Feels Like, Why It’s Misunderstood, & What Helps

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is one of the least understood eating disorders. Too often, people dismiss it as “picky eating” or assume someone can just “grow out of it.” The truth is far more complex. ARFID involves deep sensory sensitivities, powerful fears, and a nervous system response that makes eating challenging. In this post, I’ll explain what ARFID really feels like, why it is so widely misunderstood, and what approaches actually support recovery.