Is It Picky Eating Or ARFID?
ARFID, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, is more than just picky eating. Affecting all age groups, it is an interference in eating that leads to nutritional deficiency. ARFID, like other eating disorders, has severe health and psychiatric consequences. It shares many similar symptoms to Anorexia Nervosa. however, it is not the same. It is important to understand what ARFID is and how to treat it, so those struggling can get the support they need.
By: Regina Colie
What Is ARFID?
ARFID, also known as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, is an eating disorder that engages in food aversion, leading to restriction. Before publishing the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ARFID was classified as either a selective eating disorder (SED) or feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood. Some refer to ARFID as "food neophobia." The symptomatology of ARFID consists of physical and psychological factors, such as aversion to foods with certain textures, fears of accidental choking, limited preferences for food, irregular menstrual cycles, and difficulty sleeping. Because of the restricted diet individuals engage in, their bodies no longer receive the proper nutrients. There are various treatment options available to those who face ARFID diagnosis, including psychotherapy, speech therapy, sessions with dietitians, and prescription medications.
Picky Eating vs. ARFID: What's The Difference?
It is common for ARFID to be confused or minimized as picky eating. Although it may appear similar to picky eating, this eating disorder goes much deeper. Picky eating is most common during childhood. "Picky eaters are people who avoid many foods because they dislike their taste, smell, texture or appearance." (Very Well Mind, 2020). Between the ages of six and seven, children begin to process foods through their senses (taste, sight, smell) and may engage in picky eating. Once they hit puberty, however, their range of appetite increases across meals. But with ARFID, the continued aversion towards food goes beyond childhood and adolescence. There are a few signs that parents or guardians can pick up on when distinguishing the difference between picky eating and ARFID. They include significant weight loss, decreased weight gain, difficulties with eating around family and friends, sensory issues with textures and smells, and a lack of interest in eating specific foods (Walden Eating Disorders, 2022). While there are reasons for concern as parents who witness their children's aversion and young adolescents and adults who face ARFID diagnosis, there are a few ways that parents can help reintroduce their children to new foods.
How To Help Treat ARFID Disguised As Picky Eating
The following techniques can help treat individuals of all ages who face ARFID. Still, there is a particular focus on parents or guardians with young children, as picky eating and ARFID share distinct similarities. In this situation, the first step is to have a calming environment when struggling individuals sit down to eat food. That way, they can feel safe and secure when having a meal (Campbell, 2020). Another technique is to schedule meal and snack times to ensure consistent eating patterns and maintain a regular schedule. If there are changes to one's schedule and prepared meals are missed, provide children with alternate options for meals, inserting one or two foods they wouldn't typically eat to try as an experiment (Campbell, 2020). Finally, a good technique is to allow children to serve their food themselves to develop a sense of comfort and independence around food.
However, ARFID does not only affect children and often requires expert support. If you or someone you know is struggling with ARFID or is showing symptoms, it is essential to seek professional help. Because of the confusion and misconceptions that ARFID is the same as picky eating, people think ARFID is something to ‘get over.’ Like other eating disorders, ARFID is directly related to one’s mental health. Therefore, it is essential to seek adequate recovery support.
The critical thing to remember while guiding individuals through the recovery process from ARFID is that each person is different. Children, teens, and adults alike deserve autonomy and adequate care. Respectful, individualized, expert support is necessary to ensure recovery beyond ARFID.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues. Additionally, BALANCE offers free virtual support groups open to individuals seeking help and family and loved ones. The group provides a supportive forum within which members can explore issues including ambivalence about engaging in treatment, recovery, resources, and treatment options and knowing when and how to take the next steps towards making change. RSVP for our next group on Monday, September 19th, at 5:30 pm EST here.
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This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Regina Colie (she/her).
Regina Colie is currently pursuing her Masters in General Psychology at The New School For Social Research. She is interested in working with women who have eating disorders and postpartum depression. Upon her graduation from Marymount Manhattan College, she had the opportunity to be published in Dr. Nava Silton’s book, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development. Her previous work has been featured in Project HEAL, BALANCE, Olive Branch Nutrition, and Nourishing NY.
References
W. (2022, March 15). 6 Differences Between Picky Eating and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Walden Eating Disorders. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from https://www.waldeneatingdisorders.com/blog/6-differences-between-picky-eating-and-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid/
Campbell, L. (2020, December 15). ARFID: The Eating Disorder Masquerading As Picky Eating. Forbes. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/leahcampbell/2020/12/14/arfid-the-eating-disorder-masquerading-as-picky-eating/?sh=2d91c81e63d9