Selective eating disorder or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) occurs when a person is comfortable only eating a small, select group of foods. They often fear that they may die or suffer from a disease or illness if they eat anything outside of the select food group. Eating disorder treatment centers provide comprehensive treatment for ARFID.
Selective eating disorder treatment includes evidence-based treatment and holistic therapy to help someone overcome the disorder. A therapist may use a variety of methods when working with a client. If you have a selective eating disorder and need help for your condition, then contact a treatment center in your area today.
Understanding Selective Eating Disorder
One of the most common misconceptions about ARFID is that it is nothing more than ‘picky eating.’ However, there is a significant difference between a picky eater and someone who has a panic attack when trying new foods. A person with the condition will often vomit or choke if they eat something outside of their selective food group.
A selective eating disorder often stems from some type of past trauma in which a person had a harmful or life-threatening experience with food in the past. For instance, if a person choked on a chicken bone and required medical care, they may avoid eating any meat with a bone in it. The prospect of doing so may cause them to go into a panic attack.
Signs of ARFID
It is important to identify the signs of ARFID. While it may be categorized as an eating disorder, it does not share the same symptoms as other disorders such as:
- Anorexia
- Bulimia
- Binge eating disorder
- Pica
- Rumination disorder
Just because a person won’t eat a particular food doesn’t mean that they are trying to lose weight.
The signs of a selective eating disorder may include:
A Short List of Acceptable Foods
One of the most evident signs of ARFID is a person’s acceptance of what they will and will not eat. While the selective list may be based on dietary or weight concerns, this is not always the case. Selective eating disorder treatment often reveals that there are several reasons why people will not eat certain foods.
Eating Foods Based on Certain Characteristics
One of the reasons why a person with ARFID is seen as picky is because they may limit their list to foods that have a certain texture or smell. One of the key elements of Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder is foods chosen based on specific criteria. So, it is not uncommon for a person to only eat foods that may be crunchy or soft.
Skipping an Entire Food Group
A person with a selective eating disorder may cut an entire food group out of their diet. An example would be a child who grew up eating junk food and refuses to eat fruits or vegetables when they are older. This can lead to deficiencies in specific nutrients, such as key vitamins and minerals.
Emotional Outbursts When Confronted with Food
It is possible to become angry, anxious, worried, or hysterical when faced with certain foods. A person who has a disorder will do almost anything to avoid a certain type of food regardless of how irrational it may seem. A person may have a panic attack, vomit, or run away if they are around foods that they cannot tolerate.
Getting Help for ARFID
If you or a loved one struggle with a selective eating disorder, you can get selective eating disorder treatment at an anorexia treatment center. With the right treatment, you can overcome your condition and get on the path to recovery. Contact a local treatment center in your area to learn more about your treatment options.