Understanding ARFID: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

What is ARFID?

• a]:dark-primary-text:[&>a]:text-primaryDark [&>a]:underline”> This leads to a diet that is inappropriate for age and weight, with possible nutritional deficiencies and excess weight
• a]:dark-primary-text:[&>a]:text-primaryDark [&>a]:underline”> ARFID often starts at a young age, but it can also develop at a later age.
• the ‘lost child’ among eating disorders, as it is not as well known as anorexia or bulimia.

What are the treatment options?

Psychological Therapies

1. a]:dark-primary-text:[&>a]:text-primaryDark [&>a]:underline”> Exposure Therapy: This involves gradually exposing the person to a feared or avoided food in a controlled setting to reduce fear and avoidance.
2. a]:dark-primary-text:[&>a]:text-primaryDark [&>a]: underline”> Other therapies: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), hypnotherapy and EMDR can be used as complementary therapies.

Nutritional support

1. a]:dark-primary-text:[&>a]:text-primaryDark [&>a]:underline”> Oral nutritional supplements: These can be used temporarily if the person is overweight or malnourished.
2. Medical treatment

   1. a]:dark-primary-text:[&>a]:text-primaryDark [&>a]:underline”> Clinical/Residential Treatment: For severe cases, intensive treatment at a higher level of care such as inpatient, residential or part-time treatment may be recommended to monitor weight, nutrition and structural nutrition.

   The treatment approach is often multidisciplinary, with a team of professionals such as psychologists, doctors, dieticians and therapists. Early intervention, family involvement, and attention to physical and psychological needs are critical to successful recovery.