Could picky eating could be a sign of ARFID — a dangerous eating disorder? We look at the signs and symptoms
It’s perfectly normal for toddlers to refuse to eat or even taste new foods, with most children naturally outgrowing the picky eating phase around the age of six. However, extreme fussy eating behaviors could also be a sign of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder , previously referred to as Selective Eating Disorder.
What is avoidant restrictive food intake disorder ?According to the National Eating Disorders Association , a person with ARFID does not consume enough calories to maintain their basic body functions. In children, this results in stalled weight gain, developmental problems and stunted growth. In adults, it can lead to severe weight loss and malnutrition.
Dr. Amrit D Mistry, MBChB, MRCPsych, BSc Dr. Amrit D Mistry is a dual consultant specialist in General Adult and Old Age Psychiatry. Dr Mistry holds additional clinical expertise in treating eating disorders and exercise addiction. He is the Responsible Clinician to a central London specialist inpatient unit and has previously worked as a community consultant for Oxford Health NHS Foundation trust.
“Most children outgrow the common phase of ‘picky eating’ that often occurs in the toddler years,” says Anderson. “Those who continue to eat from a small range of foods beyond this period are at a higher risk for developing ARFID. However, not all individuals with ARFID start out as selective eaters.
“It is well documented that people with a diagnosis of ASC could struggle with sensory sensitivities, which could include sensitivity to food which could then lead to having rigid rules and being selective about food,” says Dr Jeri Tikare, clinical psychologist at Kooth . “For these individuals, certain specific foods’ characteristics could pose a threat and become a source of distress. Therefore, to protect themselves they develop coping mechanisms.
The demographics of these two groups don’t tend to overlap either. ARFID affects significantly younger populations, with a much greater proportion of males. It tends to be diagnosed much earlier in life and it may take way longer to develop. Patients with ARFID may struggle more with physical health, phobias, and attention problems than those with anorexia too.
“However, treatment principles remain the same in that both physical and mental health needs must be equally managed,” he says. “Patients with ARFID will still benefit from the whole multi-disciplinary team expertise as per any form of eating disorder.”
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