*T/W: This article discusses eating disorders and may be triggering for some. Reader discretion is advised.
Growing up, it’s normal to avoid eating certain foods (usually gross tasting vegetables). But there is line to be drawn when you or someone you know is so picky that all they eat is limited to a list of 10 or fewer items. When this happens, you could have an underlying health issue that not many are actually aware of. Known as ‘Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)’, a person with this disorder will have a limited range of food that they are willing to eat, thus causing an eating disturbance that can result in failure to meet nutritional needs. Having been added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 2013, ARFID is more often diagnosed in children and adolescents but affects people from all walks of life. According to a study, ARFID is “as common as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa”. If left untreated, ARFID can worsen if not cause the development of co-occurring anxiety disorders, gastrointestinal complications and developmental delays.
With ARFID, medical intervention is necessary. But how do you know if you have ARFID of if you are just more picky than others?
A person with ARFID experiences…
• Avoidance of food based on sensory aspects or fear of negative consequences
A lot of the time, ARFID develops from a traumatic experience. This causes them to fear the possibility of choking or vomiting and thus, avoid any food items that trigger this fear. This could also extend to include food of a similar colour, texture and smell. Although rare, this trauma can also be triggered by seeing someone choke of vomit as a result of the food item.
A picky eater will not experience fear and have that fear drive their choices when it comes to eating.
• Inability to gain weight as expected
As you grow up, you’re also supposed to increase in weight accordingly. Usually, people end up gaining weight too fast or slowly – depending on their metabolism to food intake ratio – but people with ARFID will have difficulty gaining weight in general. Because they have an aversion to food, people with ARFID will often say that they are not hungry and rarely think about food. This lack of interest in food means that their bodies do not get the nutrition that it needs to build itself up.
A picky eater will still experience hunger, will be open to eating foods that they are okay with and still be able to pack on the nutrients they need.
• Reliant on feeding tubes or nutritional supplements
Because they cannot bring themselves to eat – much less eat enough to sustain themselves through their daily activities – people with ARFID will need to get their nutrients some way or another. In more extreme cases, those affected by ARFID are reliant on feeding tubes. Alternatively, they find their nutrients in supplements like multivitamins and omega 3/6 tables in order to obtain appropriate nutrition for their age and build.
A picky eater usually has no problem eating enough to meet his/her caloric needs.
• Interference with psychosocial functioning
A person with ARFID will find themselves having difficulty participating in and bein a part of group gatherings. A lot of the times, food is involved – especially for occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and house warnings. They may even decline invitations simply because of the anxiety of what food would be available and the stress that they may end up seeing someone eat food that could trigger their fear.
A picky eater is not fussed about what food is available at events and they do not experience any anxiety or fear over what they may end up seeing.
How do you treat ARFID?
ARFID is not something that can be resolved on its own. Because it’s a result of trauma and fear, people with ARFID have a hard time correcting or changing their habits. Once signs of severe anxiety or fear stemming from food is noted, it is important to get the person affected by ARFID to a professional. Some of the treatments that are available for patients with ARFID include anxiety management, medication, and a gradual and controlled introduction of new foods.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of eating disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
*Cover image credits: Food: Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash Woman eating: Photo by Vitaliy Zalishchyker on Unsplash
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