According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), approximately 20 million women and 10 million men will have difficulty with an eating disorder at some point in their lives. In recent years, The prevalence of eating disorders has become a cause for concern is increasingly widespread, causing more deaths than any other mental illness in the UK and around the world.

Although eating disorders are being recognized more and more, the general perception of what an eating disorder is and what it looks like is still widespread. While many people are familiar with disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, there are many other types of eating disorders that can affect a person’s mental and physical well-being.

One of them is the so-called avoidant eating restriction disorder (ARFID). Many people are still not familiar with this disorder because it is relatively new and has only been officially recognized as an eating disorder in the last decade.

What is ARFID?

ARFID is characterized by extreme avoidance or inability to consume certain foods due to fear of choking or lack of appetite. Officially recognized in 2013 in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disordersthe term was previously identified as a selective eating disorder and “describes an eating disorder and eating behavior characterized by restriction of adequate nutritional intake.”

Often confused with ‘selective eating’, ARFID syndrome is misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all because its symptoms, says Dr Sophie Mort, clinical psychologist and UK mental health expert at Headspace, are unique in that they do not focus on body image or appearance. heavy. One of the greatest ideas fake facts about ADHD Is it just a phase or a problem with eating mania, especially in children. “ARFID is a serious eating disorder similar to anorexia nervosa that can cause serious health problems if not treated properly.”

The relationship between ARFID and autism

People with ARFID only eat very limited amounts of food, and often fear vomiting or feel very anxious when trying new foods. In addition, people with developmental disabilities such as autism may experience aversions to certain types of food, textures or tastes. Although it is more common in children and adolescents, ARFID can last into adulthood and is associated with other psychological disorders, such as OCD or anxiety.

Although ARFID may have similarities to other eating disordersHowever, sufferers are not necessarily motivated by the desire to control the shape and size of their body. According to Dr. Mort, “ARFID is not motivated by body image or weight. ARFID can look different from person to person: while someone may only eat foods of a certain temperature or texture because of sensory sensitivities, another person may only eat ‘safe’ foods because afraid of choking, vomiting, or stomachache.’ However, they often experience weight loss due to insufficient calorie intake, causing developmental delays.

‘ARFID can have a significant impact on physical and mental health. Physically, People with ARFID may suffer from malnutrition, weight loss, and developmental problems, especially in children. Hair loss, fatigue, and dry nails and hair are also common. Mentally, ARFID can cause anxiety and distress, often related to mealtimes or meals, as well as interfering with social interactions and daily life,” says Mort.

Although the exact cause of ARFID is unknown, it is associated with a combination of genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors. There is no single cause of ARFID. Some of the many reasons are sensory sensitivities, differences in appetite, and comorbid conditions such as autism, anxiety, and OCD. Traumatic environments and experiences with food may also be related to ADHD,” he said.

Care and support

While there is no universal approach, recommended treatments for ARFID include: cognitive behavioral therapy and gradual exposurefocuses on increasing the variety of foods eaten and reducing anxiety associated with eating.

When supporting someone with ARFID on their journey to recovery, it is important not to force them to eat certain foods or to criticize their eating habits. Instead, offer emotional support, encourage them to seek professional help if they haven’t already, and educate themselves about their disorder. When someone has ARFID, they may spend their whole lives being told they are “just picky,” and this can be very embarrassing. If this is your case, it’s important for you to know that you’re not just being picky. “This is a real nuisance that you can overcome with the right support and a great deal of self-compassion,” says Dr. mort.