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ARFID
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by failure to meet nutritional needs. This can lead to the following, significant weight loss, significant nutritional deficiency, dependence on taking nutritional supplements, or the placement of a feeding tube and an interference with psychosocial functioning. Along with the aforementioned the following are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as diagnostic criteria; the eating disturbance is not due to a lack of food in the child’s environment, the eating disturbance is not due to body image and the eating disturbance cannot be attributed to a co-occurring medical condition. A child with ARFID may experience anxiety around certain food items or texture, which can result in avoidance of those foods. These kids also can have illogical thoughts regarding food, for example “If I eat that I will choke”.
There are several types of treatments that can help a child with ARFID. Cognitive behavioral therapy paired with feeding therapy is a common course of treatment. Cognitive behavior therapy will address the underlying thought processes leading to the eating disturbance. Feeding/exposure therapy can help patients learn to tolerate the anxiety provoking foods.
Michelle Weiman MA CF-SLP
References:
https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/conditions/arfid
https://www.waldeneatingdisorders.com/understanding-arfid-a-case-study/
http://emedicine.staging.medscape.com/article/2500040-treatment
