Arfid disorder is an eating disorder known as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
People and kids who have ARFID disorder are extremely picky eaters and have little interest in eating food.
Those who have ARFID will only eat a limited variety of preferred foods, which can lead to poor growth and poor nutrition.
ARFID is a new addition to DSM-5, the official list of psychiatric diagnoses.
It had been known as feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood, or eating disorder, not otherwise specified.
People with ARFID suffer from depression and anxiety as a result from the fear, and then the inability to find a way to relieve the symptoms.
When it presents in children, it's easy to become depressed and the anxiety becomes so high that they alienate, and they tend to withdraw from social events.
The exact cause of ARFID is not known.
Many experts believe that a combination of psychological, genetic, and triggering events (such as choking) can lead to the condition.
Some kids with ARFID have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other medical conditions that can lead to feeding problems.
Boys and girls with ARFID may also show some of these signs at mealtimes: Avoiding or refusing an entire category of food, like fruits and veggies.
Only eating particular brands. Only eating foods with certain textures.
Signs and symptoms of ARFID disorder include.
Sudden refusal to eat foods.
A person with ARFID may no longer eat food that that ate previously.
Fear of choking or vomiting.
No appetite for no known reason.
Very slow eating.
Difficulty eating meals with family or friends.
No longer gaining weight.
Losing weight.
No growth or delayed growth.