ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is an eating disorder characterized by the persistent avoidance or restriction of food intake.
This disorder can lead to stunted growth, no weight gain in children, significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and social isolation. There are several subtypes of ARFID, including:
Avoidant subtype: This subtype is characterized by a heightened sensitivity to certain sensory aspects of food, such as taste, texture, smell, or appearance.
Individuals with this subtype may refuse to eat certain foods due to their sensory properties, even if they are otherwise healthy and nutritious. This subtype is typically thought of as "picky eating." ARFID is not the same thing as picky eating.
Aversive subtype: This subtype is characterized by a fear of negative consequences associated with eating, such as choking, vomiting, or allergic reactions.
Individuals with this subtype may avoid certain foods or food groups due to fear of these consequences, even if they have never experienced them. This subtype can also happen after a traumatic experience suffered by the individual or witnessed by them.
Restrictive subtype: This subtype is characterized by a general lack of interest in food and eating.
Individuals with this subtype may have little appetite or desire to eat and may only eat when hungry or feel obligated to do so. These individuals are often distracted and need to remember to eat. These individuals tend to be underweight and malnourished.
Mixed subtypes: This subtype mixes two or more of the above subtypes. It typically starts with one subtype and then, over time, develops into two.
My loved one started with an aversive subtype (fear of vomiting) that later developed into a restrictive subtype.
ARFID Plus subtype: This subtype is characterized by having one of the above subtypes, plus anorexia nervosa or binge eating disorder (BED).
Individuals with ARFID plus start with having one of the ARFID subtypes, then over time, develop anorexia nervosa or BED.
One of the main differences between ARFID and anorexia/BED is that individuals with ARFID are not concerned with their body weight, shape, or size. Once they are concerned with their body size, anorexia and BED arise.
It is important to pay attention to how you or your children eat. I'm a registered dietitian and didn't pick up on my child's ARFID for five years. I thought I was teaching my kid how to eat intuitively.
He ate most of everything I gave him and stopped when he was "full." I put full in quotes because his anxiety was telling him he was full. He was actually under eating. I sought help when he hadn't gained appropriate weight, complained of constant stomach pain, and had feelings he couldn't explain (anxiety).
His ARFID started as a fear of vomiting and anxiety and now includes a disinterest in eating.
A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional is necessary to accurately diagnose and treat ARFID. If you have any inkling there might be an eating issue, seek help from an eating disorder specialist.
