ARFID is an eating disorder characterized by extremely selective or restricted eating, which can cause nutritional deficiencies and health problems. ARFID is a mental health problem that affects millions of boys and girls around the world. However, adults are not exempt from this diagnosis.
Unlike other disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, ARFID is not related to concerns about weight or body image, but rather to extremely selective eating or a persistent aversion to certain foods. This produces a series of consequences on the functioning of the body. Therefore, in this PsychologyFor article, we will provide you with information about What is ARFID (Selective Eating Disorder): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.
ARFID (Avoidant or Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is an eating disorder characterized by extremely selective food intake, without concern about body weight or shape. People with ARFID often avoid certain foods due to sensory characteristics (such as texture, taste or smell) or from previous negative experiences related to food, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and medical problems.
Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not linked to body image disorders, but to a limitation in dietary variety.
Causes of selective eating disorder
The causes of ARFID are multifactorial and identifying them helps determine the severity of the disorder and find the best way to address it. Below, we show you the most frequent causes:
Sensory factors: People with ARFID are extremely sensitive to textures, flavors, smells or temperatures of food, which generates rejection of certain types of food.
Traumatic experiences: A negative event related to food, such as choking, vomiting, or food infections, can trigger an association of fear or aversion to eating food.
Neurodevelopmental disorders: Conditions such as autism or obsessive-compulsive disorder can contribute to restrictive eating patterns or difficulty accepting new foods.
Psychological factors: Fear of uncomfortable physical sensations when eating, such as abdominal pain or feelings of fullness, can lead to avoiding certain foods. In addition, high levels of anxiety or phobias also influence food avoidance.
Biological factors: ARFID may be associated with a family history of eating disorders or anxiety disorders, indicating a genetic or familial predisposition.
Lack of exposure to a variety of foods: In some cases, the lack of an adequate variety of foods during childhood contributes to the development of a very restrictive eating pattern.
Social factors: Ideals of beauty, health, aesthetics, healthy eating, and success can also be the cause of selective eating disorder.
Each case of ARFID is unique, and the causes can vary considerably between individuals, requiring personalized evaluation and treatment.
Symptoms of ARFID
Detection of physical, emotional and behavioral problems related to ARFID is essential to avoid further complications. For this reason, we will see the main symptoms that make up this diagnosis:
Social isolation
Low self-esteem
Catastrophic thoughts about food
Excessive feeling of guilt
Difficulties in attention and concentration
Shame
Distress
Avoidance of some foods
Intake of certain foods and drinks
Beyond this description, it is important to understand that the isolated presence of any of these symptoms does not guarantee a diagnosis of ARFID. It is essential to go to a specialist in the subject who can carry out a global evaluation of the person, given that aspects such as the onset of symptoms, age, sex, pre-existing diseases, presence of other health disorders are taken into account. mental, social and economic context, among others.
Although this clinical picture implies a series of problems in the development of daily life, there are some effective methods to reduce the intensity of the symptoms. The objective of the available approaches is to improve the person’s quality of life. In this section, we will develop the most relevant treatments:
Psychological therapy: The assistance of a mental health professional is a fundamental element in the treatment of this disorder. Firstly, an evaluation of the severity of the problem is carried out according to the characteristics of the patient. Secondly, objectives are proposed to achieve in the short, medium and long term. Finally, tools are provided that allow you to overcome this problem in a more enjoyable way. Although ARFID is treated through cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis also has advantages in resolving symptoms.
Psychiatric medication: In the case of those people who have a high life risk, specific drugs may be given to reduce symptoms. However, supervision by a mental health professional and avoiding self-medication is necessary.
Nutrition: Because ARFID has a nutritional component, we should not dismiss the intervention of a specialist in healthy eating. In this way, a treatment plan adapted to the needs of each person is proposed, with the aim of gradually incorporating each food. Furthermore, beliefs related to food intake are taken into account.
Clinical consultation: In most cases, it is worth going to a doctor who will carry out an evaluation of the body. This allows us to detect other problems that may be associated with the symptoms of ARFID.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is ARFID (selective eating disorder): causes, symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.
References
De Todo, V., Aedo, K., Urrejola, P. (2021). Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): What the pediatrician should know. Andes Pediatric Magazine, 92 (2), 298-307.
Suspes Cruz, Y., Orejarena Serrano, S. (2020). Food avoidance and restriction disorder in pediatrics: a novel diagnosis for a common entity in clinical practice. Journal of Comprehensive Pediatrics, 24 (4), 1-7.
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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team at PsychologyFor to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to evidence-based research. The content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.
