AVOIDANT RESTRICTIVE FOOD INTAKE DISORDER (ARFID)
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is characterized by a lack of interest in eating food and/or food restriction of food due to sensory characteristics such as texture or flavors. There is persistent failure to meet or maintain nutritional/body energy needs and usually results in low body weight. It can look similar to Anorexia except for the lack of fear about gaining weight, and there is no body image disturbance. It can start in young children as “picky eating.” It can also evolve into Anorexia as the child grows into adolescence and body image disturbance is experienced. Individuals who struggle with autism, intellectual disorders and ADHD are more likely to develop ARFID. Due to malnutrition, there can be serious medical consequences similar to Anorexia.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ARFID
- Weight loss
- Limited food choices that become more restricted over time
- Fear of choking or vomiting
- Lack of appetite or interest in food
- Anxiety about trying new foods
- Lack of appetite or interest in food
- Dependence on oral nutritional supplements or enteral feeding
- Lack of fear of weight gain
- No body image disturbance