In the ever-evolving realm of psychological disorders, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) has emerged as a puzzling newcomer in recent years. Once lumped under the broad label of "Selective Eating Disorder," ARFID distinguishes itself from more widely recognized conditions like anorexia by avoiding any emotional entanglement with body image or fears of becoming overweight.
Diagnosing ARFID
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), serves as the cornerstone for identifying ARFID. According to this clinical bible, the condition manifests as an eating or feeding disturbance that results in persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and energy needs. This disturbance is associated with one or more of the following: significant weight loss, nutritional deficiency, dependence on enteral feeding (tube feeding) or oral supplements, and a marked interference with psychosocial functioning.
Critically, the diagnosis of ARFID dismisses conditions where the symptoms are better explained by lack of available food or culturally sanctioned practices. It also excludes the presence of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or any other medical or mental conditions that could potentially cause the symptoms. In essence, ARFID stands as a unique eating disturbance requiring its own set of diagnostic considerations and interventions.
Risk Factors:
While our understanding of ARFID is still burgeoning, several risk factors have been identified. Individuals with autism spectrum conditions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities are more susceptible to developing ARFID. In addition, children who exhibit severe or enduring picky eating behaviors appear more likely to transition into ARFID as they age. Anxiety disorders frequently accompany ARFID, often further complicating the diagnostic and treatment landscape.
It's important to underscore that risk factors can vary substantially between individuals. This means that two people with ARFID might have vastly different experiences, perspectives, and symptoms—a reflection of the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and sociocultural elements.
Warning Signs and Symptoms:
The symptoms of ARFID are as diverse as they are concerning. On the surface, dramatic weight loss and gastrointestinal issues may serve as the most visible indicators. However, closer examination reveals an array of other signs such as food texture aversions, fears of choking or vomiting, and a narrowing range of accepted foods over time.
Psychological symptoms, including lack of interest in food and non-specific complaints around mealtime, are common. Notably, there is no body-image disturbance or fears of weight gain—symptoms often associated with other eating disorders—further underscoring the unique nature of ARFID.
The Way Forward: A Daunting Reality and Gaps in Understanding
ARFID is more than just an intriguing psychological curiosity; it poses severe and life-threatening health risks. Due to insufficient nutrient intake, the body goes into an energy-conservation mode, leading to a range of dire consequences of electrolyte imbalances to cardiac arrest.
Despite the depth of our current understanding, numerous gaps remain. The etiology and long-term impacts of ARFID are yet to be fully understood, and the quest for effective treatment options is ongoing. These lingering questions underscore the imperative for continued research and clinical focus.
Are Gummy Vitamins Good For Kids? Find Out Here
If your child is vitamin-deficient, but refuses to take their vitamin supplements, you might want to try giving them gummy vitamins instead. Learn more here.
What Does Vitamin E Do, and Where Do We Get It From?
This discussion delves into eight noteworthy benefits of vitamin E, substantiated by scientific research.
This Diet Slows Down Hearing Loss
Certain diets can preserve and maintain good hearing while slowing hear loss.
Does Our Stomach SHRINK When We Eat Less? Our Answer
Eat less, and your stomach will shrink over time.. is that the truth?
8 Outdated Life Lessons We Teach Our Children
we'll explore eight ideas that you might have come to believe are correct and effective for raising children.
Tips That Help Your Children Develop Healthy Eating Habits
It’s vital for kids to learn the importance of nutrition early and these 8 tips will help you get them to eat fruits and veggies every day!
WARNING: The Potential Risk of Grapefruit Juice
It's packed-full of vitamins and minerals, but it can also cause serious poisoning and even death....
Important: The Dangers of Mixing Drugs Explained
What happens when we mix these drugs? Find out in this informative video.
10 Recipes for Health Boosting, Natural Smoothies
Learn easy recipes for super-healthy smoothies you can whip out in no time.
IBS vs. IBD: Which Bowel Disease Is It?
Understanding the distinctions between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is crucial.
Relieve Pain in the Feet and Heels in Just a Few Minutes!
Do you experience frequent pain at the bottom of the feet? If so, check out these simple exercises for instant relief!
Complete First Aid: From Basics to Advanced
This is information EVERYONE should know about. When the worst happens and you need to give first aid, it's best to know these things in advance.
Prevent Alzheimer’s by Using These Expert Techniques
Listen to this expert's views on techniques that the elderly can use to enhance their brain's health.
9 Foods That Will Protect Your Skin From the Sun
These 9 foods each contributes something to the fight between your skin and the harmful UV rays of the sun.
10 Healing Scents That Can Do Wonders for Body and Mind
Smell evokes memories and happy memories but there’s more to scent than nostalgia. Smell offers many benefits for your body and mind.
Melt Away Neck Pain and Tension Headaches With These Tips!
Tension at the base of the neck is a common cause of tension headaches, neck pain, and many other issues. Let these 3 exercises help you in just a few minutes!
Difficulty Sleeping? Try This Healthy Drink Before Bed
Struggling with sleep? This natural drink can help.
Here's a Fast Technique to Put You to Sleep In 1 Minute
Struggling to fall asleep at night? Here’s a super exercise that might make you doze off in just 60 seconds.
What Happens When We Eat Oatmeal Every Day?
Why is eating oatmeal every day so healthy, and what happens to our body when we stick to it?
A Fruit Shot a Day Keeps the Common Cold at Bay
Stock up on vitamin shots without draining your wallet - 6 recipes for natural immunizing vitamin remedies.
The Secrets to Getting More Oxygen in Your Cells
The best (and easiest) exercises for better breathing.
What You Should & Shouldn't Eat With a Stomach Ache
Not sure what you should and shouldn't eat with an upset stomach? This video has all the answers!
Tutorial: Relieve a Stiff Neck Naturally in Just 90 Seconds!
Take a look at several great stretches that you can try that will alleviate a stiff neck.
What You Should Drink After a Meal for Better Digestion
What should we drink after a meal for better digestion?
How to Stop Leg Cramps Immediately - The Perfect Remedy
If you're over 50 and have regular leg cramps, stop everything and watch this video.
Looking at Caffeine, Shampoo and Rosemary for Hair Growth
Looking at the real research done behind these ingredients helps us see which really help and which still needs more research to know if they are effective on humans.
How to Treat an Obstruction in Your Stomach
Did you know that you can naturally treat gastric obstructions by adding to organic ingredients to your diet?
These Exercises Bring Relief to Sciatica and Nerve Pain
A pinched nerve in the back can be a bothersome chronic condition with frequent flareups. Here's how to bring instant relief to this type of back and leg pain.
WARNING: Who Shouldn't Consume Turmeric? Find Out Here
Discover more about who shouldn't consume turmeric or curcumin in this video:
A Beginner's Guide for Your First Yoga Class
No prior knowledge of yoga is needed for this lesson, which will leave you knowing yoga's basics moves that you can practice at home!
Discover What Really Causes Kidney Stones In This Video
Kidney stones can be an incredibly painful affliction, often leading to surgery in order for them to be removed from the body. Find out what causes them here.
11 Warning Signs of a Nutrient or Vitamin Deficiency
You might not be getting enough nutrients, and you don't even know it. Watch out for these signs!
HOW MUCH Exercise Do I Need to Burn Off These Foods?
Before you go for that takeaway, you should see how much exercise you will need to do to burn off those calories. This chart will show you.
Hemorrhoids: How to Treat Them the Natural Way
In this article you will find out what are the causes of the problem, what are its symptoms, how to alleviate it in natural ways as well as other ways to deal with its symptoms.
9 Common Mistakes We Make When Giving First Aid
The 9 most common errors made when providing first aid for simple medical cases.
Did This Technique Just Kill 99% of Cancer Cells?
This revolutionary method, employing the power of vibrating molecules, heralds a new dawn in the fight against cancer, offering hope for a more efficient and less invasive approach to treatment.
Simple Tips for Giving Your Brain a Well-Deserved Rest
In this video, you'll find valuable tips for giving your brain the respite it needs from the never-ending stress of daily life.
10 Most Frequent Misdiagnoses Made by Doctors
In the US, 1 out of every 20 adults are misdiagnosed. Here are 10 conditions that are commonly missed or mistaken for something else!
These Weigh Loss Myths are Common But Simply Not True
A video where dietitians debunk 18 common misconceptions on weight loss.
Microbiome Expert: Eat This to Heal Your Gut
This pivotal work outlines the detrimental shifts within our gut health and provides a precise, practical blueprint for rejuvenation and weight loss.
Is This New Drug a Revolution in Slowing Down Alzheimer's?
n the ongoing battle against Alzheimer's disease, a new development presents a beacon of hope.
The Hidden Benefits of Nasal Breathing No One Told You
Discover the benefits of nasal breathing during sleep and exercise in this informative video.
Yoga for Chronic Pain: Gentle Practice to Soothe and Calm
25 minute yoga tutorial you can follow from home that will help you function better on the day to day if you are suffering from chronic pain
How to Get Rid of Eye Floaters: Natural Remedies
A doctor explains how to get rid of eye floaters.
12 Superfoods That Burn the Fat Off Your Diet!
These great superfoods should be part of everyone's meal!
Warning: The Places Bacteria Hides...
The truth about hand washing and the spread of bacteria. This could keep you healthy longer!
Can STRESS Give Your Bad Breath?
Did you know that your emotional state can contribute to bad breath?