It usually occurs in childhood but can develop at any age.
Theresa Chiechi
What Is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)?
ARFID is aneating disordercharacterized by a person severely limiting the amount and/or types of food they consume.
Theresa Chiechi
Ongoing research in this area will hopefully shed more light on this important topic to help people experiencing it.
ARFID vs. Food Neophobia
Food neophobia is the fear of trying new foods.
External factors, such as sufficient access to food, should also be excluded prior to diagnosis.
If left untreated, nutritional deficiencies can be life-threatening.
Many children with ARFID are also at high risk for other psychiatric disorders.
Medicines may be prescribed to increase appetite or treat anxiety.
Some children with ARFID will need tube feeding or nutrition formulas to get the calories and vitamins they need.
Coping With ARFID
The way in which one person copes may be different from another person.
If you are concerned your child may have an eating disorder, call your healthcare provider for advice.
They can recommend nutrition and mental health professionals who have experience with the condition.
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Summary
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder is more than picky eating.
ARFID is an eating disorder characterized by an individual severely limiting the amount and/or types of food consumed.
Treatment involves working with a multidisciplinary team of health professionals.
ARFID is a serious condition that can become life-threatening if untreated.
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Merck Manual Consumer Version.Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
(2022).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5-TR.
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