Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
What is ARFID?
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a recently discovered eating disorder characterized by a person not eating a certain type of food or types of food. People with ARFID avoid food for different reasons: sensory-based avoidance, concern about the consequences of eating, or low interest in eating in general, among others. (ARFID - Beat, n.d.) ARFID usually begins at a young age, and it is more common among boys. (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), n.d.-b)
History
As mentioned before, ARFID is a newly discovered disorder. It “was introduced in 2013 when it first appeared in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It has also previously been known as Selective Eating Disorder.” (WHAT IS ARFID? | ARFID Awareness UK, n.d.)
What causes ARFID?
Many things can cause ARFID; there isn’t necessarily a singular cause. Research has concluded that some causes of ARFID may include traumatic psychological or environmental situations and/or co-existence with other disorders such as anxiety, developmental disabilities, and autism. (Center for Discovery, 2021)
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ARFID include significant weight loss, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, lethargy, irregular menstrual cycles, and others (Professional, n.d.)
Abigail’s story
(Please click “Watch on Youtube” if the video does not play)
Abigail is a young girl who has suffered from ARFID. Although she has been able to receive proper care and connected with an eating disorder specialist, it was a difficult journey for her and her family.
You are not alone
If you feel that you, or a loved one, are struggling with an eating disorder, please consult a professional or visit the sites below. Asking for help is not easy, but you are not alone, making that first step will help you so much in the long run. Happiness and health are worth much more than societal standards.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-treatment-and-recovery.htm
Works Cited
ARFID - Beat. (n.d.). Beat. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/arfid/#:~:text=Avoidant%20restrictive%20food%20intake%20disorder,a%20number%20of%20different%20reasons.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). (n.d.-b). https://kidshealth.org/. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/arfid.htm
WHAT IS ARFID? | ARFID Awareness UK. (n.d.). ARFID Awareness UK. https://arfidawarenessuk.org/copy-of-what-is-arfid-1
Center for Discovery. (2021, August 13). What is ARFID: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications. https://centerfordiscovery.com/conditions/arfid/
Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Avoidant/Restrictive food intake Disorder (ARFID). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24869-arfid-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder
