ARFID

Treatment of ARFID is both necessary and effective

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new “Feeding and Eating Disorder” which became a formal diagnosis in 2013. Frequently misunderstood – and oftentimes misdiagnosed – as Anorexia Nervosa, individuals who unknowingly struggle with this formal eating disorder oftentimes report a long childhood history plagued by one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Labeled as a ‘picky eater’ as a child
  • Significant aversion to specific categories of food based on: texture, smell or taste
  • Struggled with low weight / weight gain due to disinterest in eating
  • Fear or anxiety of choking when eating
  • Fear or anxiety of vomiting following eating certain foods
  • Withdrawal or avoidance of social events which involve eating
  • Withdrawl or avoidance of eating with others
  • Narrow or extremely limited scope of food

Additionally, individuals with ARFID frequently present with outward symptoms that, at first glance, mimic those of Anorexia Nervosa. These include:

  • Restrictive food intake
  • Consequential weight loss
  • Consequential low weight
  • Consequential failure to grow (children & adolescents)
  • Nutritional Deficiency
  • Fatigue

Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, therefore, is imperative for the effective and positive resolution of ARFID.

While ARFID is a relatively new diagnosis, we are learning more and more about this condition. ARFID frequently co-occurs with Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

ARFID clients tend to be younger, with symptoms oftentimes first being noticed in early childhood. Additionally, there is a higher proportion of ARFID amongst boys versus girls. Lastly, there appears to be a strong genetic component – approximately 80% – associated with the manifestation of ARFID.

If you or a loved one is struggling with your relationship with eating, as evidence by difficulty in one of the following three categories, please consider being assessed evaluation for the possibility of ARFID:

  1. Lack of interest in food or eating
  2. Fear of aversive consequences associated with eating; choking, vomiting, allergic reaction, etc.
  3. Sensory avoidance of food based on: texture, smell, taste, appearance, etc.

Treatment of ARFID is both necessary and effective, and will likely include a coordinated treatment team approach consisting of:

  • Assessment and evaluation by eating disorder specialist
  • Assessment and evaluation by nutrition therapist
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – eating disorder specialist
  • Exposure Response Prevention therapy – nutrition specialist

For more information on ARFID, watch Dr. Julie’s “Healthy from the Inside-Out” segment on Good Morning Arizona here.

Trusted Media Expert

Our Founder and Clinical Director, Dr. Julie T. Anné Zeig, inspires and educates viewers to become “Healthy from the Inside-Out” during her regular segment on AZ Family’s Good Morning Arizona.