Beyond Picky Eating - An Introduction to ARFID

Are you, or is someone you know, a picky eater? This is very common in childhood, with anywhere between 13% and 22% of children between three and eleven years of age considered picky eaters at any given time. However, some extremely picky eaters may have an eating disorder, known as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

Whilst picky eating and ARFID may have certain similarities, ARFID is differentiated by the level of physical and psychological distress that eating causes. 

Children and adults with ARFID typically present with one or more of the following concerns in relation to their eating:

• Sensory aversions to certain food tastes, textures and smells (or even the look of some foods).

• Anxiety about experiencing negative consequences from eating e.g. choking, vomiting or gastrointestinal discomfort.

• Lack of interest in eating or low appetite.

Unlike other eating disorders, people with ARFID do not worry much about how they look, or how much they weigh. Nonetheless, they often present with an extremely restricted diet and this typically has significant consequences for their physical health and daily functioning. Some of the consequences of this disorder include (but are not limited to):

• Weight loss or being severely underweight

• Nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition

• Growth failure in children and adolescents

• Impairment in social functioning (e.g. if they feel unable to eat with friends or at restaurants)

• Anxiety and depression

In view of the above, it is strongly recommended that anyone with diagnosed or suspected ARFID seek appropriate medical and psychological intervention as soon as possible. This will help to prevent any serious health problems and ultimately promote higher levels of engagement and enjoyment in daily life.

If you would like to learn more about psychological treatments for ARFID, please contact our clinic for further information and support.