ARFID stands for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and is characterized by low energy, fatigue, dizziness, thin body hair, picky eating, and more. This eating disorder was a relatively recent addition to the DSM-5, which is a manual that lists diagnostic criteria for many mental health illnesses. While ARFID might look different than other eating disorders, individuals struggling remain at high risk for a handful of health outcomes.
As a relatively new diagnosis, having ARFID or wondering if a loved one has ARFID can raise a lot of questions. What do behaviors look like? What does treatment look like? What can outcomes look like if not treated promptly?
What Are Some Of The Physical Signs and Symptoms of AFRID?
In terms of physical symptoms, ARFID can present as
Stunted growthUnexplained stomach problems or gastrointestinal distressNotable weight lossDizzinessFatigue
What Are Some Of The Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of AFRID?
Behavioral symptoms can look like
Concern about the adverse consequences of foodFear of choking, swallowing, or vomitingLack of interest in food or eatingAvoidance based on the sensory characteristics of food, such as textures, taste, smell, etc.
What Are The Risk Factors of ARFID?
In terms of risk factors, research has suggested that having a history of trauma – especially if it relates to food – can increase one’s risk for ARFID. Additionally, being sensitive to certain textures, fearing food will harm your body, having a family history of eating disorders, or having another underlying condition like anxiety, depression, or ADHD can all increase one’s risk for ARFID.
What Are The Medical Complications of ARFID?
The complications of ARFID can look similar to other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. While ARFID does not have body dysmorphia or extreme fear of weight gain as part of diagnostic criteria like anorexia nervosa, the restrictive nature of ARFID can lead to a similar outcome. Some complications of having undiagnosed and untreated ARFID can look like malnutrition, dehydration, anemia, osteoporosis, and even heart attack or stroke. As with other eating disorders, early intervention and diagnosis can make a huge difference for patients.
