Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), oftentimes characterized as “extreme picky eating”, is an eating disorder impacting thousands of individuals, particularly children. The meaning of “fear food” in clients with ARFID differs from clients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia. ARFID is similar to anorexia in that both disorders involve limitations in the amount and/or types of food consumed. However, unlike anorexia, ARFID does not involve any distress about body shape or size or fears of fatness. For individuals with ARFID, the fear may stem from knowing that they must eat when they have no interest in eating, fearing the temperature might not be what they like, fear of choking or becoming sick, or fear of eating a new food.
Symptoms & Warning Signs
Some symptoms include –
- A short list of acceptable foods
- Eating foods of similar characteristics – such as crunchy in texture or colorless
- Eliminates foods and never gains them back into the diet
- Poor weight gain and growth, where the child may also be of normal weight and growth
- Nutrient deficiencies – most commonly iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C
- Skips one or more entire food groups
- Becomes emotional or demonstrates stress around unfamiliar foods
- Food limitations negatively impact normal social behaviors
Risks & Complications
ARFID may lead to problems from poor nutrition. Kids with the disorder may –
- Not getting enough vitamins, minerals, and protein
- Needing tube feeding and nutrition supplements
- Growing poorly
- Having delayed puberty
- Becoming overweight or obese
The lack of nutrition associated with ARFID can cause –
- Dizziness and fainting due to low blood pressure
- Slow pulse
- Dehydration
- Weakened bones and muscles
- Stopped menstrual periods
If you are concerned that your child may have an eating disorder, call your doctor for advice. The doctor can recommend nutritionists and mental health professionals who have experience treating eating disorders in kids and teens. Most importantly, make sure to provide endless support for any individual suffering from an eating disorder.