Beyond Picky Eating: Understanding ARFID

As awareness increases and research progresses, you might be hearing more about ARFID. Families are starting to understand its impact and are seeking out interventions to help support their child. ARFID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, is categorized as an eating disorder. It is different than other eating disorders as it does not have a focus or goal in trying achieve thinness. However, those who struggle with ARFID can often get to a low body weight because of the significant reduction of food intake. This can be due to lack of interest in food, sensory sensitivities, or fear of eating.

ARFID is more than just picky eating. Many kids and teens have favorite foods or may have a change in appetite from time to time. ARFID tends to be more severe and persistent with avoiding entire food groups, feeling distress or anxiety around food or eating, and showing signs of nutritional deficiencies. This will be very notable with someone only having a very small amount of foods that feel "safe." ARFID can also be experienced at any age, though we most often see it in kids and teens.

Individuals with ARFID may face challenges in three primary areas:

Sensory and sensations: Having difficulty with food textures, smells, and tastes

Fears: Worrying about throwing up, gagging, choking, or any adverse reactions with eating

Lack of interest: Minimal hunger signals, food not being satisfying, and neglecting to eat

Over time, not eating enough food can lead to many struggles physically, socially, and emotionally. Nutritional deficiencies, difficulty regulating emotions, sleep disturbances, and avoiding social gatherings with food can deeply impact the life of someone who is struggling with ARFID. It is important to get outside support in those specialized in eating disorders including therapists, dietitians, and doctors to help with education and creating a treatment plan towards healing that addresses every aspect of life that it interferes with.

Professionals will be able to support not only your child but parents in creating feelings of safety and confidence around food. Providers will help reduce anxiety, get rid of negative beliefs around food, and help individuals feel prepared to start exploring new foods. These interventions can include education, working through worries, and practicing exposures. Exposures involve real life practice of experiencing the anxiety that arises before, during, and after trying new foods. Your team of providers will help create a plan tailored to you.

Besides reaching out to professionals, parents can help by approaching food challenges with empathy and not overly pressuring or becoming frustrated and angry. When there is a large amount of pressure or force around any eating disorders, it only makes matters worse. Supporting your child by appropriately challenging them and having conversations about what makes it easier or more difficult to eat will be immensely helpful. With the right help, no one has to go through this alone.

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Written by Devan of SafeHeart Counseling. Devan is the founder and owner of SafeHeart Counseling, which provides therapy services to children, teens, and young adults. SafeHeart Counseling specializes in working with eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, and perfectionism.

https://www.safeheartcounseling.com 

For more information on eating disorders or how to get help, you can visit: https://www.safeheartcounseling.com/therapy-for-eating-disorders