Symptoms, Real-life Accounts, Assessment Tool, Therapy Options, and Comprehensive Guide on ARFID
In the realm of eating disorders, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) often goes unnoticed due to its subtle symptoms and varied presentations. This condition, previously known as selective eating disorder, can significantly impact an individual's physical and psychological health.
Kelsey, a courageous woman who bravely shares her story, was diagnosed with ARFID. Her journey with the condition began in her early childhood, a time when most are exploring new tastes and textures. Kelsey, however, developed aversions to specific foods, a symptom that persisted throughout her life.
ARFID is more prevalent among certain demographics. People diagnosed with ARFID are often aged between 4 and 11, and are more likely to be male. Symptoms tend to persist for a long time, as seen in Kelsey's case.
Heather, another individual affected by ARFID, is now starting to experience the physical health impacts of the condition. She has noticed slightly-elevated cholesterol levels, lower iron intake, and recent weight gain. These complications can lead to potential issues such as severe malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and low bone mineral density.
The treatment for ARFID is multifaceted, requiring a combination of nutritional monitoring, close medical monitoring, hospital-based feeding, parental education, medications like olanzapine, psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), individual therapy, family therapy, and EMDR therapy for phobias like emetophobia.
Kelsey's EMDR therapy was instrumental in helping her manage distressing thoughts and intrusive thoughts about vomiting. However, her journey was not without challenges. She struggled with social life and embarrassment due to her ARFID, as seen in an incident where she felt tired and embarrassed during a double date.
ARFID is often associated with other conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, and other Psychiatric Disorders. These co-occurring conditions increase the risk of developing ARFID.
For instance, individuals with autism are much more likely to develop ARFID. Autism-related sensory sensitivities often affect food intake, whether it's due to texture, taste, or other factors.
Research on the outlook for people with ARFID is limited, but one study found that 1 year after discharge, 62% of people met the criteria for remission. However, 21% needed to be admitted to the hospital again.
It's essential to note that ARFID does not involve fears of being overweight or concerns about body shape or size, unlike anorexia.
Kelsey's experience with ARFID was marked by a lack of knowledge about the condition and a lack of support from others. Today, she works with patients who have ARFID, teaching them skills and techniques that helped her in her own recovery.
[1] Decker, A. J., & Grinker, R. R. (2013). Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 52(1), 11-21. [2] Grinker, R. R., Decker, A. J., & Le Grange, D. (2013). Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 170(12), 1246-1254. [3] Le Grange, D., & Lock, J. (2011). The role of anxiety disorders in the development and maintenance of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 50(1), 4-12. [4] Walsh, B. T., & Schmidt, U. (2006). Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 13(4), 349-359.
- In the realm of eating disorders, conditions like Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) often go unnoticed due to their subtle symptoms and varied presentations.
- This condition, previously known as selective eating disorder, can significantly impact an individual's physical and mental health.
- Kelsey, a courageous woman, was diagnosed with ARFID and her journey with the condition began in her early childhood.
- People diagnosed with ARFID are often aged between 4 and 11, and are more likely to be male.
- Symptoms of ARFID persist for a long time, as seen in Kelsey's case.
- Heather, another individual affected by ARFID, is now starting to experience the physical health impacts of the condition.
- Treatment for ARFID requires a combination of nutritional monitoring, close medical monitoring, hospital-based feeding, parental education, medications, various therapies, and education to manage distressing thoughts.
- Individuals with autism are much more likely to develop ARFID due to autism-related sensory sensitivities that affect food intake.
- Research on the outlook for people with ARFID is limited, but one study found that 1 year after discharge, 62% of people met the criteria for remission.
- ARFID does not involve fears of being overweight or concerns about body shape or size, unlike anorexia.
- Kelsey's experience with ARFID was marked by a lack of knowledge about the condition and a lack of support from others.
- Today, Kelsey works with patients who have ARFID, teaching them skills and techniques that helped her in her own recovery.
- To understand ARFID better, it's recommended to refer to research studies such as those by Decker, Grinker, Le Grange, Walsh, and Schmidt.
- Addressing other health-related concerns like chronic diseases, cance, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye-health, hearing, and cardiovascular health, is essential for overall health and wellness.
- To support one's personal growth, career development, and job search, skills training in education and self-development can play a crucial role.
- Fitness-and-exercise, healthy nutrition, and weight-management are key aspects of maintaining cardiovascular health, skincare, and improving mental health. Additionally, therapies-and-treatments for various mental health conditions, neurological disorders, and skin-conditions may be necessary for overall well-being.
