There has recently been a rise in the popularity of an eating disorder called ARFID. Many still do not know about the disorder or do not know how to identify it in themselves or their children. So what is ARFID?
ARFID or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is an eating disorder most often found in children. People impacted with this disorder will commonly eat very small portions and limit the variety of foods they will eat. They will avoid foods for many different reasons, ranging from lacking interest in food, sensory problems, or fear of the foods.
Though ARFID sounds very similar to the average picky child, someone suffering from ARFID has a diet that is so limited that it causes problems with growth, weight loss, and in some cases difficulty in school or work due to extreme difficulties eating and trying new foods.
ARFID is most commonly diagnosed in early childhood, but can occur in any age demographic. This can be attributed to symptoms carried on from childhood; however, it can also develop later in life.
The DSM-5 says that for diagnosis someone must experience concern of eating that causes failure to meet nutritional needs associated with, “1. Significant weight loss (or failure to achieve extreme weight gain or faltering growth in children) 2. Significant nutritional deficiencies. 3. Dependence on enteral feeding or oral nutritional supplements. 4. Marked interference with psychosocial functioning.”
Symptoms to be aware of include dramatic weight loss, fear of choking or vomiting, reports of upset stomach before meals, and an avoidance of certain food textures. There are also physical signs. Some of these are menstrual irregularities, muscle weakness, hair loss, difficulty staying warm, fainting, difficulty focusing and stomach cramps.
Though it is a long process, there is treatment. People suffering from ARFID can use cognitive behavioral therapy to work through their fears of new foods. Anyone can work through this disorder with proper help and support.
