What is ARFID?
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by food avoidance or restriction that results in nutritional deficiencies and interferes with daily functioning. As with anorexia nervosa, ARFID can lead to significant weight loss or a failure to gain weight. It does not include concerns about body weight and shape, however. Instead, ARFID primarily manifests as avoidance related to the sensory properties of food and fear about eating.
Previously known as selective eating disorder (SED), ARFID was introduced in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The following criteria must be met for an individual to be diagnosed with this eating disorder:
- An eating or feeding disturbance (e.g., apparent lack of interest in eating or food; avoidance based on sensory characteristics of food; concern about aversive consequences of eating) as manifested by persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs associated with one (or more) of the following:
- Significant weight loss (or failure to achieve expected weight gain or faltering growth in children)
- Significant nutritional deficiency
- Dependence on enteral feeding or oral nutritional supplements
- Marked interference with psychosocial functioning
- The eating disturbance is not attributable to a concurrent medical condition or is not better explained by another mental disorder.
- The disturbance is not better explained by lack of available food or by an associated culturally sanctioned practice.
- The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and there is no evidence of a disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced.
It is important to note that an individual may still have a serious eating disorder that warrants care even if some of these criteria are not met.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Warning signs of ARFID may include:
- Notable weight loss
- Failure to meet nutritional needs
- Stunted growth
- Stomach problems without apparent reason
- Eating an extremely limited variety of foods
- Restriction of certain foods due to taste, smell, or texture
- Lack of interest in food
- Fear of swallowing, choking, or vomiting
- No body dysmorphia or drive for thinness
Physical Effects of ARFID
The physical consequences of ARFID are similar to those of anorexia nervosa, as both disorders lead to significant nutritional deficiencies. When the body is denied essential nutrients, it is forced to slow down its processes to conserve energy. The impact can be far-reaching, touching virtually every body system. Left untreated, these effects can be devastating—even fatal. But when ARFID is recognized and addressed early, the physical consequences can be treated, and, in some cases, fully reversed.
Dermatological Effects
When in a malnourished state, the body uses its limited energy to preserve its most vital organs, leaving the skin, hair, and fingernails in poor condition. Dermatological consequences of ARFID include dull, dry, and pale skin; thinning hair; and weak, brittle fingernails. A soft, downy layer of hair may also appear on the face and body. Known as lanugo, this hair grows as the body’s way to protect itself against heat loss and an intolerance to cold associated with malnutrition.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Those with ARFID may suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal complications, including gastroparesis, constipation, and bloating. Gastroparesis refers to delayed stomach emptying—the stomach emptying slower than normal—which often presents as excessive fullness, nausea, bloating, and early satiety. The condition further complicates an individual’s ability to consume adequate nutrition.
Constipation is also common when the body has insufficient food and fluid to process and create waste. It is difficult for the intestines to move material through the body’s systems and produce regular bowel movements. Cramps and feelings of fullness often result, leaving affected people in intense discomfort or pain.
Endocrine System Effects
Nutritional deficiencies alter the body’s hormone states, which may result in low blood sugar levels, reduced sex drive, amenorrhea, and even infertility. Hypoglycemia, or very low levels of blood sugar, can cause headaches, fainting, mood changes, and difficulty thinking. Fluctuations in the production and secretion of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone are linked to sexual dysfunction and a low sex drive. Menstruating people with ARFID may experience abnormal cycles or missed periods, which may impact fertility.
Nervous System Effects
A highly active organ with significant energy demands, the brain also suffers as a result of AFRID-related malnutrition. This is especially concerning in adolescents, as brain development lasts well into early adulthood. At all ages, people with ARFID may experience poor concentration and decision making, as well as slowness in thought or processing. Memory may be impacted as well, interfering with an individual’s ability to recall information or experiences.
Skeletal System Effects
People with ARFID are at risk for low bone material density and strength as another result of nutritional deficiencies. Bone loss can lead to osteoporosis and a higher susceptibility to fractures and breaks. Because bones are sensitive to changes in hormones as well, low estrogen levels and missed menstrual periods in females can make bones even weaker.
Cardiovascular Effects
Complications involving the cardiovascular system include hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmia, and electrolyte abnormalities. The function, strength, and rhythm of the heart are impacted by malnutrition and dehydration, which places individuals at higher risk for heart failure or cardiac arrest that can be fatal.
Recovery is Possible
Eating disorders are serious but treatable illnesses. Given the potential severity of physical complications associated with ARFID, people affected by the eating disorder should seek help as soon as possible. The sooner an individual begins treatment, the sooner the adverse health effects of ARFID can be treated and the quicker recovery usually is.
With professional treatment, recovering from ARFID is possible. If you think that you, a loved one, or your patient could have ARFID, reach out to The Emily Program today at 1-866-498-5128 for assessment and care.
Founded in 1993, The Emily Program is nationally recognized for our compassionate and personalized approach to eating disorder awareness, treatment, and lifetime recovery. We understand the tangled complexities of eating disorders, often from personal experiences. We know that you’re not defined by your eating disorder, and our team of experts—including therapists, dietitians, and medical staff—focuses on treating the whole person. We provide an integrative approach for people of all ages and genders who struggle with eating disorders and related mental health and body image issues. The Emily Program care teams bring decades of experience managing the unique medical and psychiatric complications of eating disorders. With convenient locations in MN, OH, PA, and WA or within a virtual environment, The Emily Program is here to help you no matter where you live. For more information, please visit emilyprogram.com.