Signs, symptoms and diagnosis for Selective Eating Disorder and ARFID

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM V), recognizes selective eating disorder and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder as an eating disorder that is clinically distinct from both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. ARFID most commonly occurs in children and was once considered a disorder of childhood and infancy but is now known to affect all ages. The following are four diagnostic criteria that must be met in order for an individual to be diagnosed with ARFID:

• An eating disturbance characterized by a failure to meet appropriate weight gain or nutritional requirements. The eating disturbance can be characterized as a lack of interest in eating food, refusal to eat certain foods based on color, texture and smell, or refusal to eat food based on fear of choking or becoming sick. This disturbance must occur to the extent that enteral feeding or supplemental nutrition is needed; there is significant weight loss, there is significant nutritional deficiency, or there is a marked interference with psychosocial functioning.
  
  
• This disturbance is not from a lack of food or cultural values
  
  
• There is no disturbance in body weight or shape and this disorder is not due exclusively to anorexia or bulimia nervosa
  
  
• This disorder is not due to a medical condition or due to another mental health disorder

Treatment and complications for Selective Eating Disorder - Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Since Selective Eating Disorder is a relatively new disorder more research is needed in order to determine the most effective treatment. As with other eating disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy currently is the first-line approach and works to recognize negative thoughts as well as the underlying reason for these thoughts about food in order to transform this unsafe behavior into a healthier approach.  Healthy coping skills, problem solving skills and communication skills are taught throughout our therapy approach. Exposure therapy is another approach used for children who have a fear of certain foods. Overtime, these foods are exposed to the individual on a gradual basis until their fear has diminished and they are comfortable eating.

If ARFID is severe enough, complications such as electrolyte imbalances, low blood pressure, slow rate heart and digestive problems will begin to occur. It is important to seek treatment with a mental health professional at our Woodland Hills, CA treatment center if this disorder is suspected.