6 Signs your loved one may have ARFID
ARFID – the new kid on the block
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder that presents in the form of a ‘persistent and disturbed pattern of eating that leads to a failure to meet nutritional/energy needs’.
For a diagnosis of ARFID, a clinician will make sure the individual’s eating behaviours do not fit the criteria of any other eating disorder, mental health condition, or physical condition.
Adults and children with ARFID may appear to be extremely picky eaters, showing little interest in food, and only eating a very small variety of foods. This may result in failure to meet nutritional needs and therefore, compromised growth and development (in children) or body function (in adults).
RELATED: WHAT IS ARFID?
ARFID is NOT a choice
Just like other eating disorders, ARFID is not a choice and is a serious mental illness. However, unlike various other eating disorders, ARFID does not involve any concern regarding body shape/size and anxiety is focused on consuming the food itself.
ARFID can be experienced by people of any gender, age or size, but will typically develop in childhood and may be more common in boys.
RELATED: How to tell the difference between picky eating and ARFID
Here are six things you can look out for, if you are concerned about your child, or someone you love.
1. Fear of Consequences Associated With Eating
- Afraid of tummy pain related to digestion
- Fears choking or vomiting when eating
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Gagging when eating
- Very slow eating
- Anxiety surrounding certain foods
2. Sensory Sensitivity
- Overly sensitive to taste, texture, smell and temperature of foods
- Only eats foods with certain textures – ‘safe foods’
- Fear of temperature not meeting their preference
- Avoiding foods with specific textures (eg, won’t eat vegetables/fruit because they are soft/crunchy).
3. Skipping Meals/Snacks
- Not interested in eating, or forgetting to eat
- Not feeling hungry
- Finding no pleasure in eating
- Not eating when preferred foods aren’t available.
4. Malnutrition
- Dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss/thin hair, bruising easily
- Irregular/slow heartbeat, low blood pressure
- Low iron levels
- Constipation, diarrhea, bloating/pain
- Osteopenia/osteoporosis (low bone mineral density), muscle loss
- Fatigue
- Delayed puberty/delayed or stopped menstrual cycle
- Headaches, fainting, dizziness, mood swings, anxiety/depression may also indicate low energy intake and blood sugar levels
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Nutritional deficiencies
- It is important to note that malnutrition can be present in many different body shapes/sizes
5. Current Co-existing Mental Health Condition
ARFID often co-exists with other mental health issues, and so (if not already diagnosed) it may be important to also monitor for signs of
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Intellectual disability
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
6. Social Withdrawal
People with ARFID experience extreme anxiety which can lead to them not wanting to participate in social activities that involve food. But it doesn’t just affect mealtimes – it affects every aspect of life because food is part of life! Not being able to participate in normal activities can feel shameful and embarrassing to individuals with ARFID.
People experiencing ARFID can feel like they are flawed, unsafe and judged by others.
It is important to be accepting and non-judgemental of a person who struggles with ARFID. It is not their fault and acceptance and support from friends and loved ones is vital to help them move forward on their healing journey.
Recovery from ARFID is possible with the appropriate support from family, loved ones and the individual’s medical care team. This may include a doctor, dietitian, and psychologist/psychiatrist.
If you are unsure where to start, a trip to the GP to express concerns should be the first step.
About Eating Disorders Families Australia
Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) is the only national organisation solely for carers and families of those with an eating disorder. EDFA provides support, EDucation, advocacy, and counselling services. EDFA has a private Facebook forum, providing a safe place for eating disorder carers and family members to share experiences, seek advice and assistance, and find hope.
EDFA is the ONLY organisation that provides monthly support group for carers of those with a diagnosis of ARFID.
For more information about any of our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
