When you think of eating disorders, you might imagine someone who is obsessed with their weight or shape, who starves themselves or binges and purges. But there is another type of eating disorder that has nothing to do with body image or weight concerns. It’s called ARFID, which stands for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
ARFID is a condition that causes people to limit the amount or types of food they eat due to anxiety, sensory issues, or lack of interest in food. People with ARFID may avoid foods that have certain colors, textures, tastes, or smells, or they may fear the consequences of eating, such as choking, vomiting, or getting sick. They may also simply not feel hungry or enjoy eating.
ARFID can affect anyone, but it is more common in children and males. It is estimated that between 5 and 22.5% of children with suspected eating disorders have ARFID. ARFID can have different causes, such as trauma, gastrointestinal problems, supertasting, or early feeding difficulties.
ARFID can have serious health consequences, such as malnutrition, weight loss, growth problems, nutritional deficiencies, and dependence on supplements or feeding tubes. It can also interfere with social and emotional functioning, as people with ARFID may avoid eating with others or participating in activities that involve food.
The good news is that ARFID can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people overcome their fears and aversions to food and learn to eat a more balanced and varied diet. CBT also addresses the underlying psychological factors that contribute to ARFID, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
One of the experts on ARFID is Dr. Kim DiRé, a trauma and eating disorder specialist. She explains that “The fear of food and/or the consequences translates in ARFID individuals as ‘if I eat that, I will die.’ The physiological constriction of the mouth tissues, throat, and digestive tract from the fear stops the ability to eat a variety of foods.”
Dr. DiRé also emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help for ARFID. She says that “Because ARFID is a sensory disorder as well as an eating disorder, its cure is through somatic treatment.”
If you or someone you know may have ARFID, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You are not alone, and you can recover from this condition.
Relevant articles:
– Picky eater or eating disorder?, Children’s Health
– ARFID: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments – Choosing Therapy, Choosing Therapy, 2023-5-19
– What Is ARFID? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Psych Central, Psych Central
– ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder): Symptoms, Cleveland Clinic