ARFID Causes and Risk Factors: Unraveling the Complex Web of Influences

Introduction:

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder in which an individual may limit the amount or type of food intake. This may be seen in both children and adults. It was also referred to as a selective eating disorder. It is almost similar to the condition called anorexia (eating disorder).

What Is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?

ARFID may be described as extreme picky eating. It is considered to be an eating disorder in which the individual affected may have fear. The fear may be to such an extent that if they eat, they may fear that they may die.

There may be a physiological constriction of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract due to fear. This may affect or stop the person from eating a variety of foods. This may, in turn, cause malnutrition.

Malnutrition caused by ARFID may lead to many medical issues, like fatigue and loss of motivation. It may be seen in both genders. It may affect adulthood if left untreated. This eating disorder is not like other eating disorders. It is not related to losing weight or consciousness about self-image.

ARFID causes

• An individual loses interest in eating.

• They may feel anxious about the consequences of eating. These may include choking on food or vomiting.

• They may avoid food that has unwanted color, texture, smell, or taste.

ARFID is a new disease classified under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This condition does not have enough data to estimate how this condition affects the large population.

Children affected by this condition may show little interest in eating and have a limited intake of preferred food. This may affect their growth and development.

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders. Eating disorders may occur at any age. These are considered serious mental illnesses. These may significantly impact a person’s physical, mental, and social life. If treated early, the individual may have a good quality of life.

ARFID and picky eating are different. Children may avoid certain foods due to their color, texture, etc. In the case of picky eating, the appetite, growth, and development of a child are not affected. Picky eating goes away as the child grows. However, in the case of ARFID, appetite and overall health are affected due to inadequate nutrition. This condition does not go away unless it is treated.

What Are the Causes Of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?

The exact cause of ARFID is not known. The possible causes include:

• Anxiety.

• Fear.

• Genes

• Influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors.

• Trauma.

Other causes may be

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

• Eosinophilic esophagitis.

• Allergies.

• Other medical conditions.

These may cause feeding problems in kids.

What Are the Risk Factors For Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?

The risk factors of ARFID include,

• Any traumatic experience related to food. These may include food insecurity, forced feeding, choking, etc.

• If the person is suffering from underlying conditions like anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),.

• Any aversion present regarding any food.

• Fear of getting affected by consuming certain food.

• If a family history of eating disorders is present.

What Are the Symptoms of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?

Symptoms of ARFID include,

• Significant loss of body weight.

• Constipation.

• Pain in the abdomen and stomach upset.

• Reduced body temperature.

• Laziness or inactivity.

• Irregular menstrual cycle.

• Feeling dizzy or fainting may be present.

• Presence of muscle weakness.

Some of the behavioral changes include,

• Loss of appetite.

• Need help paying attention.

• Limiting the amount of food intake.

• Consuming foods that have particular texture.

• A feeling of fear after having eaten, like vomiting or choking.

What Are the Complications Related to Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?

The complications of ARFID include,

• Malnutrition.

• Dehydration.

• Electrolyte imbalance.

• Anemia.

• Low blood pressure.

• Osteoporosis.

• Cardiac arrest.

• Delayed puberty.

• Affected physical growth.

Some individuals may not present any signs or symptoms. This may be because their bodies adapt to stress. The consequences of this condition may be life-threatening. This condition may affect the person’s ability to socialize. This, in turn, affects the relationships, and there may be a distraction from work or school responsibilities.

How to Diagnose Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?

Certain criteria are followed while diagnosing ARFID.

These include,

In this condition, there is a limited intake of food. This causes weight loss and affects growth. The body does not get sufficient nutrients. Food restriction may affect interpersonal relationships. The limited food intake is not caused by food insecurity, religious fasting, or any underlying condition or treatment. The limited food intake may not be due to negative body image or the intention to lose weight or change body shape. If any underlying medications or conditions cause a limited entail of food, and if it exceeds that, it may cause overall effects on the health of the body.

A healthcare provider may perform.

• A physical examination.

• A blood test and urine test are advised to learn about general health, nutrient levels, and proper functioning of the organs.

• The side effects of this condition are life-threatening, and complications may affect different parts of the body.

How to Treat Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?

Treatment of ARFID helps in maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding complications from occurring, and changing mental health, fear, and sensory aversions towards food. Treatment options include

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps to recognize

• The thoughts and behaviors that are affecting health.

• It helps in feeling less fear and anxiety about the foods.

• It helps with being more comfortable with sensory challenges.

Medications: A healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help improve the mind and overall health of the body.

The medications given include,

• Antipsychotic medications, antidepressants, and medications that stimulate the appetite.

• Some doctors may give nutrients with the help of temporary feeding tubes. It is a flexible tube that passes through the nose or directly to the stomach or small intestine.

How to Prevent Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder?

There are no ways known to prevent ARFID.

Conclusion:

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a mental health condition that affects the physical health of an individual. Avoiding food intake may cause serious ill effects to the overall health. Hence, it is important to know about ARFID, its causes, symptoms, and management.