Have you ever found yourself or someone you care about avoiding certain foods or restricting food intake to the point where it impacts daily life? If so, it might be more than just picky eating; it could be Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Understanding ARFID is the first step towards finding relief and enjoyment in food again.
What is ARFID?
ARFID is a relatively new eating disorder diagnosis, formally recognised in 2013. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID isn’t driven by concerns about body weight or shape but is instead rooted in sensory aversions, fears of negative consequences, or a general lack of interest in eating. This can make it difficult for individuals to meet their nutritional needs, leading to serious health consequences.
The Faces of ARFID
ARFID can manifest in different ways, often falling into three main subtypes. However, many people with ARFID experience a combination of these.
- Sensory-Based Avoidance: Imagine having such heightened sensitivity to the texture, smell, taste, or appearance of food that it feels almost impossible to eat certain things. For some, it’s like being a “super taster” where every flavor and texture is amplified, making eating an overwhelming experience.
- Fear-Based Avoidance: This subtype often stems from negative experiences with food. Picture the anxiety that follows a choking incident or severe nausea after eating a particular dish. These fears can become so intense that they dictate food choices, leading to significant restrictions.
- Lack of Interest: Some individuals simply don’t find eating appealing. They might forget to eat, become easily distracted during meals, or view eating as a chore rather than a pleasure. This lack of interest can lead to insufficient nutrition and related health issues.
ARFID vs. Picky Eating
It’s essential to distinguish ARFID from the typical picky eating often seen in children. While picky eaters might outgrow their aversions, ARFID persists and significantly impacts physical and mental health. People with ARFID often face nutritional deficiencies, severe weight loss, and even social isolation due to their restrictive eating habits.
Recognising ARFID
ARFID doesn’t discriminate—it can affect people of any age, gender, or background, with an average onset around 10-11 years old. Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Extremely picky eating habits and inflexible eating patterns.
- Limited variety of foods.
- Requiring food to be prepared or presented in a specific way.
- Anxiety or distress when faced with new or feared foods.
- Refusal to try new foods.
- Severely limited food intake.
- Weight loss or failure to grow as expected.
- Lack of interest in food and eating.
- Easily distracted during mealtimes.
- Fear of eating due to concerns about choking, nausea, or other negative outcomes.
- Avoidance of food based on sensory aspects.
- Slow eating or not finishing meals.
- Anxiety around food and mealtimes.
- Avoiding social events involving food.
- Dependence on nutritional supplements or tube feeding.
- Gastrointestinal issues and signs of malnutrition, such as low energy, muscle weakness, and delayed puberty.
Seeking Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional help. ARFID is a serious condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective treatment. At Myrtle Oak Clinic, our team of experienced eating disorder credentialed clinicians is here to help.
ARFID Treatment at Myrtle Oak Clinic
Our dedicated team at Myrtle Oak Clinic provides compassionate, inclusive, and personalised treatment for ARFID. We offer a combination of nutritional support with dietitians and therapy with psychologists to address the underlying issues and help you or your loved one develop a healthier relationship with food.
Reach Out Today
Don’t let ARFID control your life. Reach out to Myrtle Oak Clinic’s friendly Client Care Coordinators at (02) 43 623 443 for the support you need to overcome challenges with food and rediscover the joy of eating. Visit the contact us page for more information.