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Like anorexia, avoidant restricted food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder. These conditions impose severe limitations on the quantity and kinds of food you can eat. Contrary to anorexia, though, ARFID patients are unconcerned about their size, shape or appearance.
Many kids go through stages of fussy eating. Yet ARFID — previously known as a selective eating disorder by doctors — is different. Patients don't consume enough calories for their body to function correctly, which may result in slowed growth and weight gain in children.
ARFID - What is it?
Formerly known as selective eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder is a new diagnosis in the DSM-5.
ARFID and anorexia are similar, as both diseases entail restrictions on the quantity and/or types of food consumed. However, ARFID does not involve anxiety over body size or shape or a fear of being overweight, like anorexia.
A child with this disorder does not have sufficient calories to develop and grow appropriately or, in adulthood, to maintain basic body function, despite the fact that many kids go through episodes of picky or selective eating.
When that happens to youngsters, weight increases, and vertical height is stunted; when it happens to adults, weight loss occurs. ARFID can cause issues in school or at the office as well, as it makes it difficult to eat with others and necessitates longer meal periods.
Anorexia and ARFID share physical symptoms and medical outcomes, as both conditions are characterized by an inability to meet dietary needs. People exhibit some physical symptoms that are similar to anorexia.
They consist of:
- Constipation and other general gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, acid reflux, etc.)
- Irregularities in menstruation
- Concentration issues
- Women who have reached puberty stop having periods
- Dizziness or Fainting/syncope
- Experiencing constant cold
- Issues with sleep
- Dry skin
- Fragile and dry nails
- Body hair is fine
- Hair on head thinning, being dry and fragile
- Muscular lassitude
- Hands and feet swollen or mottled with cold
- Wounds don't heal well
- Immune system dysfunction
Physicians are unsure of what causes ARFID. According to some experts, those who contract it may exhibit excessive sensitivity to taste or texture. People may be afraid or worried about food, as they have had a negative meal experience, like choking or vomiting.
Treatment of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder
The most effective treatment for the condition is typically individualized, taking into account a person's unique set of challenges and what's thought to be sustaining them.
Treatment can typically be provided in an outpatient environment. Evidence-based approaches to treatment are frequently used, including family-based care (for children), cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral interventions like exposure therapy and instruction in anxiety management.
It may be suggested from time to time to take medication, most frequently to treat anxiety. Additionally, a person's physical health needs to be monitored and managed, perhaps by their GP, doctor or pediatrician. Treatment options can also include assistance with sensory issues and nutritional management with the help of a dietician.
Exposure therapy may also be a successful strategy, as it can help people change their beliefs about certain food kinds by exposure without the expected consequences.
Family-based therapy is another therapy strategy that involves the child and family. FBT makes use of the family dynamic, which is significant in a child or adolescent's life, to educate the person and family while also promoting behavior change in both groups.
Can ARFID be caused by trauma?
A stressful incident may induce ARFID to manifest, despite the fact that its precise causes are still unknown.
In a study of college students, it was discovered, for instance, that individuals who had gone through a traumatic event were more prone to develop this condition. It may also result from environmental and genetic reasons, according to some specialists.
If you suspect that you have this condition, schedule a consultation with your doctor to discuss it.
It's crucial to get the proper care and support. Having this assistance and support in place as soon as feasible once the challenges have been identified is typically optimal.
The thought of trying to alter your eating habits may intimidate you, and you or the person you care about might be afraid or not be as worried about their food as others. Individuals with ARFID might not be able to imagine a scenario in which they can alter their eating habits. As a result, they can hesitate to ask for assistance or may pretend that everything is well.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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