Eating disorder ARFID receives new attention

DENVER, CO – JULY 6: Nurse Stephanie Harris (left) removes the heart monitor from patient Dante Rana at the Denver Health Medical Center’s Eating Disorders Treatment Center. Dante is recovering from avoidant/restrictive eating disorder (ARFID). (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

(NewsNation) — It’s one thing for your child to be a picky eater. But it’s another, and quite recent, for him to refuse to eat foods because of their smell, texture, color or strangeness. And that can lead to serious physical problems.

This disorder is called avoidant or restrictive eating disorder, or ARFID for short. Some health professionals may also call it “selective eating disorder.” Unlike other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, it is not a mental health problem associated with a negative self-image.

The ARFID was only added to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 2013. This is the manual that health care professionals use to diagnose mental disorders.

Children with ARFID fall into three general categories:

• Very selective eaters who have strong negative reactions to foods with certain smells, textures or colors. They may also suffer from “neophobia”, which is a fear of unfamiliar foods.
• A general lack of interest in food, poor appetite, or little sense of reward from eating.
• Fear of what might happen when they eat, such as pain, choking or vomiting

The main problem arising from ARFID is poor nutrition, which can lead to many different problems such as poor growth, delayed puberty, and the possible need for nutritional supplements or even a feeding tube.

Other complications may include low blood pressure, slow pulse, dehydration, weakening of bones and muscles, and stopping of periods.

Experts are generally stumped as to the cause. Some believe it’s a combination of the child’s temperament, genes, and perhaps a triggering event like choking.

Treatment can take several forms, including involvement with a doctor, dietitian, and therapist who specializes in eating disorders. The goal is to get the child to eat enough to gain weight, to diversify his or her diet, and to learn to eat without fear of pain or choking.

Doctors advise parents to be role models when it comes to nutrition. This means expanding the range of foods offered to adults. Another important tip: plan meals and snacks at regular intervals, including regular family meals.

Also encourage children to try new foods, but don’t force them. Reward positive eating behaviors. Find ways to manage anxiety and stress, such as yoga, music, and meditation. And most importantly, stay calm and don’t criticize a child for eating problems.

Although it’s more common in children, adults can develop ARFID, too. And, as of now, doctors say there’s no known way to prevent it. But experts say this: ARFID won’t go away without treatment, and it’s not a one-night solution.

Information from the Cleveland Clinic and Nemours Kids Health contributed to this article.