The Five Subtypes of ARFID

The Five Subtypes of ARFID

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID, is a relatively new diagnosis for picky eaters with food phobia. It’s characterized by a persistent disturbance in eating leading to weight loss or growth disturbances, nutrient deficiencies, dependence on supplements, and impaired psychosocial functioning. The fear of food, or anxiety around food, is the hallmark of this diagnosis.

Is ARFID all the same, or are there a variety of types?

ARFID presents differently in every individual. Here are some common signs of ARFID, but it’s important to remember that not everyone suffering from ARFID will have the same experiences:

  • Food refusals
  • Poor or delayed eating or feeding skills
  • Underweight or slowed growth
  • Texture sensitivities
  • A very limited list of preferred foods
  • Avoidance of entire food groups
  • Elimination of foods that never get back into their diets
  • Becoming emotional or demonstrating stress around unfamiliar foods
  • Food limitations impacting social engagements negatively
  • And more

Did you know there are five different types of ARFID?

The 5 subtypes of ARFID:

1. Avoidant

One common subtype of ARFID is Avoidant. In this condition, individuals simply avoid certain types of foods in relation to sensory features, causing a sensitivity or over stimulation reaction. These individuals may feel sensitive to the smell of foods; textures, including soft foods or fruits and vegetables that have prickly or defined textures; or general appearance, including color.

2. Aversive

Another subtype of the ARFID eating disorder is Aversive. Individuals whose food refusal is related to the Aversive type may experience fear-based reactions. Aversive ARFID evokes a fear of choking, nausea, vomiting, pain and/or swallowing, forcing the individual to avoid the food altogether.

3. Restrictive

The third subtype of ARFID is Restrictive. Individuals who experience Restrictive ARFID may show signs of little-to-no interest in food. These individuals can forget to eat altogether, show signs of a low appetite or get extremely distracted during mealtime. Another symptom of Restrictive includes extreme pickiness of foods, resulting in limited intake.

4. Adult ARFID

ARFID can impact an individual across their lifespan. Individuals who carry symptoms into their adulthood are considered to have adult ARFID. This can include any of the above symptoms. Many times, individuals who are 18+ years old feel they are too old for help, but you’re never too old for therapy! No matter your age, there is still a lot of progress to be made with the right therapist!

5. ARFID Plus

When it comes to ARFID, the unwillingness to eat is not the result of the individual wanting to change their body or lose weight. However, there are some individuals with ARFID who also experience anorexia or other body image issues. For example, they may have severe texture aversions leading to an extremely limited food repertoire, but also have body dysmorphia and want to lose weight.

Regardless of your specific symptoms, a Speech-Language Pathologist can evaluate your or your child’s needs through a comprehensive evaluation. It’s important to find a Speech-Language Pathologist who is familiar with and trained to support ARFID and who can develop an effective treatment plan to help you meet your goals.

Kelly is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in providing therapy and coaching from children to teens and young adults with feeding challenges. She prides herself on individualizing therapy sessions so that you meet your goals, whether that’s expanding your food repertoire, ordering something off a restaurant’s menu, or just appreciating your food preferences so that you can be present at social events. Contact Kelly at Food 4 Thought Therapy to get your questions answered and to take the first step towards your journey, You can contact Kelly and Food 4 Thought Therapy at kelly@food4thoughttherapy.com or visit https://food4thoughttherapy.com/contact/ to book your free consultation.

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