Arfid is more than just a child suffering from a specific eating disorder.
Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: More Than Just Picky Eating
Mara, a woman in her mid-30s, struggles with avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). This condition, characterized by a refusal or limited intake of certain foods due to sensory factors like taste, texture, or appearance, without the typical weight concerns associated with other eating disorders, makes eating a challenge for her.
Mara can hardly consume solid fruits, vegetables, or cold cooked meat. The anticipation of social events that involve food can be anxiety-inducing, as she recounts, "Before the company's Christmas dinner, I already had sweaty palms."
After recognizing her behavior on social media, Mara learned about ARFID, a disorder known for a few years. Unlike general pickiness, which is common in children and usually transient, ARFID persists and can cause significant problems. "There's a difference between things I don't like and things I can't eat," says Mara, who has been diagnosed with the disorder.
Eating is not a source of enjoyment for those with ARFID, but rather a burden. Adults and children can be affected by ARFID, and it is more than just general pickiness. "Many children or adults do not feel hungry, have fears about eating, or have little appetite," explains Ricarda Schmidt from the Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at Leipzig University.
ARFID was first recognized as a separate disease in a diagnostic manual in the USA in 2013. However, in Germany, it is not yet recognized as a distinct entity; instead, it is coded under other eating disorders. The exact number of affected individuals is unknown. There is a self-help association based in Münster for those dealing with ARFID.
ARFID can start as early as during breastfeeding or the introduction of solid foods. Parents should consult a pediatrician if they notice any anomalies in their child's eating habits. Co-occurring conditions like genes or traumatic experiences may play a role in the development of ARFID.
Treatment options for ARFID include cognitive behavioral therapy, family-based therapy, and nutritional counseling to ensure adequate nutrition and address any nutritional deficiencies. Medications may be used if necessary to treat co-occurring conditions.
Mara's diet has expanded over time. "For five years, I've been able to eat dried tomatoes and olives." She has been consuming pumpkin and tomato soup for a long time if it's all finely pureed. At company events, she found something new she enjoys: hummus with pureed red beet.
Mara is cautious to prevent ARFID from affecting her child. Instead of pureeing food, she offers her baby soft pieces the child can pick up and eat. With the popular method called Baby-led weaning (the baby decides when to stop breastfeeding), the child chooses from the available options. So far, her daughter eats everything with great enthusiasm.
The original article can be found at ntv.de, authored by Simone Humml, dpa.
The power of small steps: In addressing ARFID, it's important to take small steps, such as offering a child different shapes or brands of pasta without tomato sauce right away, in the hope that they will eventually expand their palate and embrace a more diverse diet.
The community policy surrounding ARFID might include vocational training programs for individuals with eating disorders like Mara, to help them cope with their conditions and re-integrate into the workforce.
Mental health and wellness are vital aspects for those struggling with ARFID, as the condition can cause anxiety and stress during social events involving food. Preventative measures, such as health-and-wellness workshops focused on managing anxiety and building coping skills, could be beneficial.
