Tag: Cibophobia

According to the National Eating Disorder Information Centre, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition where a person avoids specific foods or restricts their overall intake, resulting in nutritional deficits. Food refusal is not always a choice, as medical, psychological, and sensory issues can prevent someone from eating. Understanding the distinction between common picky eating and serious conditions is crucial for identifying when professional help is needed.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a serious eating disorder characterized by avoiding certain foods, restricting intake, or both, which can occur at any age. A person's dislike of food, however, is a complex issue that can stem from various conditions beyond simple preferences.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a clinically recognized eating disorder that describes one serious form of food avoidance. While many people casually refer to "picky eating," the reasons behind the behavior can range from simple preference to complex psychological or sensory-related conditions. This article explores these different terminologies and their underlying causes.

According to studies, over 50% of preschool children may experience a phase of picky eating, but for some, an intense aversion goes far beyond this, pointing to a more serious medical or psychological condition. Understanding **what is extreme dislike of food** is the first step toward effective intervention and improved nutritional health.