A Brief Overview Of Eating Disorders

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), previously referred to as selective eating disorder, is another new diagnosis in the DSM-5. Similar to anorexia, those with ARFID have significant limitations in the amount or types of food eaten. However, ARFID does not include asignificant fear of becoming or being fat. Unlike picky eating, individuals with ARFID do not consume enough calories to grow and develop properly or maintain healthy and basic body function. Children with ARFID may experience stalls in weight gain and height growth. Adults typically lose weight.

Individuals with ARFID display many of the same physical symptoms as someone with anorexia, such as being underweight, irregular menstrual cycles, dizziness or fainting, poor wound healing, lowered immune system function, thinning hair, as well as cold and mottled hands and feet. Other physical symptoms include lethargy, abdominal pain, constipation, and vague, but consistent gastrointestinal issues such as feeling full around mealtimes. Psychological and behavioral symptoms of ARFID include a significant restriction in the amount and types of food eaten, a lack of interest in food, the range of food eaten becomes significantly narrower over time, and dressing in layers or baggy clothes for warmth or to hide dramatic weight loss.

Continue reading to learn about the eating disorder causing individuals to eat the inedible.