What’s the difference between anorexia and ARFID?

It’s not always easy to recognize when a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder, and it can be even more difficult to acknowledge when you’re the one who’s struggling with harmful behaviors. That said, learning how to spot the signs and symptoms of different eating disorders has the potential to save lives. It’s particularly important when someone has a condition that’s easily mistaken for another, like anorexia nervosa and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

What is anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by distorted body image, an intense fear of gaining weight, and restrictive eating habits. People with anorexia may eat only certain foods or severely limit their food intake to keep their weight as low as possible. 

Anyone can develop anorexia, but it is statistically more prevalent among women and teen girls. It’s important to recognize that anyone, regardless of gender identity, can be at risk, and awareness is crucial for early intervention and support. 

Common signs and symptoms of anorexia include:

• Extremely restricted eating
• Noticeable weight loss
• Extreme thinness (although it’s possible to experience anorexia and not be underweight) 
• Distorted body image 
• Hiding weight loss with baggy clothing
• Obsession with calorie counting and dieting
• Avoiding eating around other people
• Compulsive exercising

What is ARFID?

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is another eating disorder that causes extreme anxiety about food and eating. It affects people of all ages but is most commonly diagnosed during childhood and adolescence. 

People with ARFID often limit their food intake due to:

• Lack of appetite or interest in food
• Fear about the consequences of eating, like choking on food or having an allergic reaction
• Sensory concerns regarding the taste, texture, or smell of certain foods

Similarities and differences between anorexia and ARFID

Anorexia and ARFID both involve restrictive eating behaviors that can result in significant weight loss. They’re also associated with co-occurring mental health conditions — like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — and can lead to various physical health concerns. 

For example, having anorexia increases your risk of anemia, heart problems, and bone loss. And long-term ARFID can cause nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, and low blood pressure.

That said, there are two notable differences between the two conditions:

• Reasons behind symptoms: Anorexia involves an intense fixation on body image and fear of gaining weight. But with ARFID, behaviors are based on a fear of or lack of interest in certain foods and aren’t associated with body image or weight loss.
• Risk factors: Anorexia is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, societal pressures, and personality traits like perfectionism, low self-esteem, and people-pleasing behaviors. Family health history may also play a role with ARFID, but the condition is often associated with misinformation around food or experiencing a traumatic food incident (like a severe allergic reaction).

Can ARFID turn into anorexia?

You can’t be diagnosed with ARFID if you have another eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia. However, research on teen girls with ARFID found that it’s possible to develop symptoms of other eating disorders over time. 

Treatment for anorexia vs ARFID

Whether it’s ARFID, anorexia, or another eating disorder, a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis are essential to healing and recovery. 

When left untreated or misdiagnosed, an eating disorder can lead to incorrect treatment, worsening symptoms, and reduced well-being. In fact, anorexia has the highest death rate of any mental health condition. So knowing how to recognize the condition is key to accessing appropriate care.

Anorexia and ARFID both benefit from early intervention and a tailored approach to treatment, including the support of mental health professionals and nutritionists. There are several leading treatment options for both conditions. These treatment approaches include:

Talk therapy 

Working with a therapist offers people a chance to manage their symptoms while learning how to identify and address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for managing anorexia. It can also help reduce food-related distress in people with ARFID. 

Medication management 

Although medications aren’t typically a first-choice treatment for eating disorders, certain medications may help some people manage specific symptoms or address co-occuring conditions, like anxiety disorders. If you think you’d benefit from medication, it’s best to work with a psychiatric provider to find the right solution for you. 

Nutritional counseling 

Nutritional counseling can help people manage nutritional deficiencies, develop healthier eating habits, and build a more positive relationship with food. Dietitians can help people with anorexia create goals to maintain a healthy weight. They can also educate people with ARFID about portion sizes and mealtimes to reduce eating distress. 

Social support

In addition to one-on-one therapy, many people with eating disorders benefit from family therapy and group therapy sessions. If you’re not interested or ready for group therapy, consider confiding in trusted friends, family, or other members of your support system who can support your recovery.  

Find care with Rula

Whether you have anorexia, ARFID, or another eating disorder, healing begins with access to the right resources and support. Rula can connect you with a therapist who understands your symptoms and accepts your insurance so you can get the support you need. Remember, recovery is possible, and taking that first step toward help can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

With Rula’s therapist-matching program, you can find the right provider for your needs in less than 30 seconds and begin treatment as soon as tomorrow. And if medication management is part of your treatment plan, we can connect you with a psychiatric provider to find the right solution for you.

Find a therapist with Rula