Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (usually abbreviated as ARFID) is an eating disorder that mainly manifests as restricting or completely avoiding certain types of food. Unlike other eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, people with ARFID usually do not have a bias about their own body image or a fear of weight gain.

Although many people have the problem of being picky eaters, the impact of ARFID goes far beyond that. It can lead to extreme picky eating and a loss of interest in eating. Children with ARFID cannot obtain the necessary calories for normal growth and development, while adults with ARFID cannot get the nutrients required to maintain their body functions. As a result, people with ARFID may experience symptoms such as rapid weight loss, stomach cramps, and dizziness.

Promptly detecting the signs of any eating disorder, including ARFID, is crucial for early intervention and obtaining the necessary treatment for yourself or your child. The following are some symptoms in terms of behavior, psychology, and physical aspects that need to be noticed:

ARFID can cause a variety of symptoms that affect behavior and emotional health. These include: restricting certain types of food, loss of appetite, loss of interest in eating, a gradually narrowing range of favorite food choices as picky eating habits worsen, wearing multiple layers of clothes to conceal weight loss, only eating food with specific textures, fear of choking or vomiting on food, and difficulty concentrating.

In addition to psychological symptoms, ARFID can also lead to a variety of symptoms that affect the body and overall physical health. These symptoms include: unexpected or excessive weight loss, constipation, abdominal pain, feeling cold, lethargy, still feeling stomach discomfort or fullness even though not eating enough, delayed menstruation, dizziness, sleep problems, dry skin, brittle or fragile nails, and muscle weakness. In addition, due to restricting the consumption of certain foods and being unable to obtain the required nutrients, the risk of developing certain health problems may increase. These diseases include anemia, thyroid problems, heart problems, and low potassium.

Researchers have not yet determined the exact cause of ARFID. However, some studies speculate that various genetic, environmental, psychological, and social factors may play a role. For example, having a family history of ARFID, suffering from mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, phobias, autism spectrum disorders, and developmental disorders, a relatively young age of onset (most ARFID cases start between the ages of 5 and 13). Since ARFID is a relatively new diagnostic type of eating disorder, researchers are still exploring which factors increase the risk of developing this disease. As research continues, both healthcare providers and mental health professionals will be better able to understand how to help patients correctly treat or control this disease.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has symptoms of ARFID, it is essential to contact a healthcare provider for appropriate testing. Obtaining an ARFID diagnosis can help you or your loved one receive appropriate treatment. Generally, your primary care doctor will first understand your symptoms. Your doctor may also conduct a physical examination and arrange urine or blood tests to better understand your nutritional level and overall health status. They may also refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, for further testing.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), the accurate diagnostic criteria for ARFID are as follows: inadequate diet leads to one of the following four changes: 1) rapid weight loss; 2) malnutrition; 3) the need to use a feeding tube or oral supplements; or 4) affecting your ability to perform daily tasks and maintain social relationships; limited food intake is not due to food shortages or cultural practices; your symptoms are not caused by other eating disorders that affect body image (such as anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder); restricted food intake is not caused by other medical or mental health conditions. Only when all of the above four criteria are met can ARFID be diagnosed.

If you are diagnosed with ARFID, receiving treatment is extremely crucial for recovery and overall emotional and physical health. Researchers recommend a variety of treatment methods to help improve symptoms and gradually treat ARFID. These treatment methods include: Family-Based Treatment, this type of psychotherapy (talk therapy) is especially useful for adolescents, and parents directly help children establish healthy eating habits; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on helping patients identify and change harmful thoughts and behaviors related to eating habits; Nutritional Guidance, cooperating with a dietitian can help formulate a diet plan to ensure obtaining the required nutrients and being able to eat the favorite foods.

Some people with ARFID also have complications such as anxiety disorders or depression. In this case, your healthcare provider may also recommend using medications and therapies to treat these diseases to help improve ARFID symptoms. It is also worth noting that it may take some time to find a treatment plan that suits you - and that's okay. The important thing is to continue to try to find a solution that suits your lifestyle while you strive for recovery.

Eating disorders such as ARFID can affect people of any age, race, and gender. Although ARFID often starts in middle childhood, you may still develop symptoms later in life - especially if you have not received a formal diagnosis or treatment.

Since research on ARFID is still ongoing and experts have not fully determined the exact cause of the disease, it is difficult to prevent ARFID. However, parents can play an important role in helping children develop healthy eating habits. These include: exposing children to a variety of foods and snacks as they grow up, eating together to create a supportive and fun family dining environment, scheduling meal times, preparing snacks for children to take to school, gently encouraging your children to try new foods but not forcing them, not blaming children for bad eating habits but rewarding their good ones (such as finishing a meal or trying new foods), and talking to them about the stress or anxiety they may experience regarding eating. If you are worried about your child's eating habits, contact their pediatrician for additional support. You can also consider seeking help on how to deal with eating disorders or call the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 for support to assist a loved one in diagnosis.

If you suspect that you or your child has an eating disorder, there are other related eating disorders similar to ARFID. These conditions include: Anorexia Nervosa, eating very little or not eating at all due to a fear of weight gain or a desire to lose weight; Bulimia Nervosa, binge eating and then forcing oneself to vomit or engaging in excessive exercise to offset the previously consumed food; Binge Eating Disorder, being unable to control the amount of food eaten, which leads to binge eating and an increased risk of obesity.

ARFID can be difficult to control because it can severely affect physical and mental health. Although it is impossible to completely prevent ARFID, parents and caregivers can establish positive eating habits to help children develop healthy eating behaviors. If you think you or your child may have symptoms of ARFID, it is best to contact a healthcare provider for support. They can connect you with a psychotherapist and a dietitian to help establish better eating habits and relieve symptoms.