Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new diagnosis amongst the nationally recognized eating disorders. It’s like anorexia in that it involves self-imposed restrictions on what you eat. However, unlike most other eating disorders, ARFID does not revolve around negative body image. ARFID is, in general, an extreme version of picky eating. People suffering from ARFID will only be willing to eat very few different foods. They eat either so little or such little variety that they reach nutritional deficiency.
People suffering from ARFID usually only eat certain textures or flavors of foods, and they may be uninterested in eating in general. They may also fear negative consequences to eating such as choking or vomiting. However, they don’t have a fear of weight gain or a dysmorphic body image. Additionally, ARFID is most common in children and adolescents.
Signs and Symptoms of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
The first step toward getting ARFID treatment is recognizing the signs and symptoms. Some ARFID symptoms include:
- Dramatic weight loss
- Wearing excessive layers to hide weight loss or keep warm
- Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, consistent cramping, and upset stomach
- Dry skin
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Thin, brittle hair
- Fainting or dizziness
- Menstrual irregularities
- Slow or poor wound healing
Another sign of ARFID is when a picky eater gets pickier over time. Plenty of young people are selective about what they eat, but when this continues to get worse over time, it may be a problem. If it begins affecting their health, it’s worth getting help. Adults may try to offset the nutritional deficiencies with vitamins, but there’s no substitute for a healthy diet.