ARFID
Overview
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterised by a persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ARFID is not just "picky eating". People with ARFID may avoid certain colors, textures, smells, tastes, or temperatures in foods, or they might have a lack of interest in eating.
Importantly, ARFID is not linked to concerns about body image, unlike many other eating disorders. Instead, it's associated with a range of issues, such as a lack of interest in eating or food, avoidance based on the sensory characteristics of food, and concerns about aversive consequences (like choking or vomiting).
ARFID can affect individuals across all genders, ages, and racial and ethnic backgrounds. It can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies, weight loss or failure to gain weight in children, and can interfere with social functioning.
Types of ARFID:
Sensory-Based ARFID: Sensory-based ARFID involves avoidance of foods due to sensory sensitivities, such as aversion to certain textures, tastes, or smells.
Fear-Based ARFID: Fear-based ARFID involves avoidance of foods due to fear of negative consequences, such as choking, vomiting, or allergic reactions.
Lack of Interest ARFID: Lack of interest ARFID involves a general disinterest in eating or food-related activities, leading to restricted eating patterns.
Posttraumatic ARFID: Posttraumatic ARFID may occur following a traumatic event, such as a choking incident, food poisoning, or gastrointestinal illness, leading to avoidance of certain foods or eating-related fears.
Key Features
Selective Eating: Individuals with ARFID may have an extremely limited range of foods they are willing to eat, often avoiding entire food groups or textures.
Lack of Interest in Eating: There may be a lack of interest in eating or food-related activities, with individuals showing little enthusiasm for meals.
Avoidance of Certain Foods: ARFID often involves avoidance of certain foods based on sensory characteristics, such as texture, color, taste, or smell.
Concerns About Negative Consequences: Individuals with ARFID may express concerns about negative consequences of eating, such as fear of choking, vomiting, or experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Restricted eating patterns can lead to nutritional deficiencies, resulting in weight loss, stunted growth (in children), and/or failure to meet developmental milestones.
Interference with Social Functioning: ARFID can interfere with social functioning, including difficulties eating with others, participating in social gatherings involving food, or attending restaurants.
Medical Complications: ARFID may be associated with medical complications, such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, or abnormalities in laboratory tests.
Psychological Distress: Individuals with ARFID may experience psychological distress related to their eating patterns, including anxiety, depression, or social isolation.
How We Can Help
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Enhanced (CBT-e): CBT-e is a highly effective treatment approach for ARFID in adults. Psychologists use CBT techniques to help individuals identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts and beliefs about food, eating, and body image. By restructuring negative thought patterns and developing more adaptive coping strategies, individuals can gradually expand their food variety and improve their eating behaviors.
Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy is a core component of treatment for ARFID, particularly for individuals with sensory sensitivities or food aversions. Psychologists use gradual exposure techniques to help individuals become more comfortable with feared foods, textures, tastes, or smells. Through repeated exposure in a controlled and supportive environment, individuals can reduce their anxiety and increase their willingness to try new foods.
Nutritional Counseling: Psychologists collaborate with registered dietitians or nutritionists to provide specialised nutritional counseling for individuals with ARFID. This may include meal planning, education on balanced nutrition, strategies for increasing food variety, and addressing nutritional deficiencies or weight concerns.
Parental Involvement and Family Therapy: For children and adolescents with ARFID, psychologists involve parents and family members in treatment to provide support and create a conducive home environment for recovery. Family therapy helps improve communication, address family dynamics related to food and eating, and promote positive reinforcement for progress.
If you or a loved one is struggling with the challenges posed by ARFID, please know that you're not alone and help is available. Our team of empathetic and skilled psychologists is ready to assist you in breaking free from the fear and restrictions associated with food. Reach out to us today. Taking the first step towards nourishing healthier eating habits is just a phone call away. Together, we can achieve a more balanced, fulfilling relationship with food.