People of all ages, races, sexual orientations, genders, socioeconomic statuses—all other demographic categorizations—can experience Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). However, the eating disorder is especially common in children and young adolescents.
Because ARFID is particularly common in younger populations, it is essential for all parents to be aware of the warning signs. If a child is showing signs of AFRID, getting them help as soon as possible is the best thing you can do for them.
In this blog, we will cover the definition of ARFID, the risk factors, the signs and symptoms to look for in children, and treatment options.
ARFID is an eating disorder that involves a feeding or eating disturbance that causes nutritional and energy deficiencies. You may also know it by its previous name, “selective eating disorder” (SED). Though ARFID is sometimes seen as simply “picky eating,” children do not grow out of it. It is also important to note that this illness cannot be explained by other medical or psychological issues and is not due to food scarcity or culturally-sanctioned practices. The disorder can lead to malnutrition and other serious health effects because of the limited variety or amount of foods consumed.
Those suffering with ARFID often experience significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, failure to meet growth trajectories, and difficulty engaging in normal life. Psychiatric co-morbidity is also common, meaning there are multiple conditions present at once. Anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are conditions that commonly co-exist with ARFID.
As a result of several shared symptoms, including drastic weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, ARFID is commonly mistaken for anorexia nervosa. There are several differences between the two diagnoses, but the biggest difference is that ARFID does not include a desire for thinness or a fixation on body image.
Those at particular risk of developing ARFID include:
ARFID can cause an inability to meet nutritional needs. This can have very serious health consequences. Therefore, it is essential to look out for the warning signs and connect people in need with support as soon as possible. This disorder can look different in every person who experiences it, but there are several signs and symptoms you can look out for:
As with every other type of eating disorder, ARFID requires specialized care; the illness does not go away on its own. The severe implications that can result from ARFID, including nutritional deficiencies and inadequate food intake, require professional treatment and early intervention. ARFID may not be as well known as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, but it is just as serious and worthy of treatment.
One reason it is important to spread awareness about ARFID is so that parents can know the signs and symptoms to look for in their children. Knowing what to look for and getting your child into treatment as soon as possible is so important. If you think you or a loved one may be suffering with ARFID, we urge you to talk to your doctor or reach out to an eating disorder treatment organization like The Emily Program.
To learn more about ARFID, including the similarities and differences between the treatment of ARFID and other types of eating disorders, watch the “ARFID 101” presentation located on our Presentations page.
Call 888-364-5977 for help now.
The Emily Program is a University of Minnesota Medical School Affiliate
Copyright © 2019 - Emily Program. All rights reserved.
By clicking “Send” below, you are indicating that you understand and agree to these terms regarding the use of your information:
The information you submit on this form will be used internally for the purposes of processing and responding to your request. It may be routed internally in order to find the most appropriate member of staff to handle your request and your contact information will only be used to respond to your inquiry if you indicate permission to do so.
In addition, the information submitted may become a part of the patient’s permanent chart or treatment record at The Emily Program upon their utilization of The Emily Program services, and this information may be used in the planning of treatment and care provided to the patient. At the time the patient utilizes The Emily Program services, The Emily Program’s Notice of Privacy Practices and other HIPAA and information privacy and security policies will apply to the information submitted on this form and to any other information that The Emily Program maintains about the patient and the care provided to the patient.
Your information has been submitted.