What's ARFID? 5 Facts About ARFID

WHAT'S ARFID??

5 FACTS ABOUT ARFID

The focus of Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2024 is ARFID. Many of you might not have heard of ARFID. well, here's 5 facts about ARFID to get you going.

* ARFID stands for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
- It is characterised by selective eating. So, for example, the person may avoid specific foods or certain types or groups of food; they may eat a very limited range of foods; there may be strong or aversive reaction to certain food tastes, textures, smells or colours; there may be anxiety around food; the person may fear choking, gagging or vomiting; and there may be fear around new foods. These are just some of the features of ARFID.

* It's often thought that only children and young people experience ARFID.
- However, this is not the case. There is more research into children and young people with ARFID; however, it's really important to know that adults experience ARFID too.

* It's often thought that people with ARFID are 'underweight'.
- However, people of all shapes, sizes and weights can experience ARFID.

* The exact cause of ARFID is not known.
- It's likely that a combination of factors and experiences lead to the development and maintenance of ARFID.

* ARFID isn't just picky or fussy eating either.
- It's really important to dispel this myth. ARFID is serious and can lead to a range of physical, emotional, psychological, social and occupational problems and concerns. It's therefore important to seek support from others such as psychotherapists, counsellors and dietitians who can help you improve your relationship with food.

Thanks for reading!

Talking EDs: Eating Disorders Support Service Scotland

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