Facts & Figures

ARFID is NOT the same as picky eating and individuals can NOT grow out of it. !!!

ARFID is estimated to be in 5% of children and adolescents

and 9% of adults

ARFID is NOT a childhood disorder

More men than women are affected by ARFID but anyone can be at risk

NEDA

National Eating Disorder Association

Eating disorders are commonly associated with women. However, ARFID epidemiological studies have shown more affected men than women. Although epidemiological studies have shown that disorders, like Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia, are common among women over men; eating disorders can affect any person of any body type.

An epidemiological study is the foundation for disease control and prevention through tracking the prevalence of the disease, characterizing the natural history, and identifying determinants or causes of the disease. It defines risk factors for a disease and targets for preventive medicine (“UC San Diego”).

Most ARFID research and studies are focused on children rather than adolescents or adults. This is because the disorder starts at a young age and if it’s diagnosed and treated early, there is a much greater chance of recovery.

The addition of ARFID within the DSM5 called for more research and understanding on disordering eating patterns that fall under ARFID in adults. There are few studies on adults as opposed to on children. This study provides data and analysis on how common abnormal eating behaviors are in adults and the causes.

This study also shows that this disorder is not limited to children and if the cause and category of ARFID can be identified within the adult, participating in the correct treatment instead of reinforcing disordered patterns allows for recovery.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY Food avoidance and restriction in adults: a cross-sectional pilot study

According to Micheal Fitzgerald a medical researcher of Western Sydney University The procedure followed as such, “ A self-administered questionnaire was designed and distributed to adults...over the course of 6 months to describe the prevalence and nature of avoidant and restrictive eating behaviors in this population. Pearson’s chi square test was used to determine a potential link to a formal diagnosis of ARFID” (“Fitzgerald”).

The results of 101 questionnaires showed that Food avoidance or restriction was detected in 81 respondents (79%), with rates not significantly higher in the immunology clinic group compared to the general practice group (p = .242).

Food allergy and intolerance were the most common reasons for disturbed eating patterns. Life impact secondary to food avoidance and restriction was reported by 26% of respondents, with significantly higher rates observed in the immunology clinic cohort compared to the general practice (p = .011).

Eating disturbances similar to those characteristic of ARFID are very common in adults. Many disordered eating patterns were caused by food allergies and intolerances especially within the immunology clinic population. Continued data analysis is to be done to ensure that these patterns qualify as a diagnosis of ARFID (Fitzgerald)

The implications of this study are that although “picky” eating is often associated within children, diagnostic tools used by medical professionals to characterize eating disorders have recognized the existence of these eating behaviors in adults.” (Fitzgerald)

A person of any race, gender, or socioeconomic status may be affected by this eating disorder. Scarcity of food is not a factor in this disorder. ARFID has primarily been studied in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe and even so there are not many clinical studies. However, there was a trend in psychiatric comorbidities, or other conditions seen in tandem with ARFID.

Comorbid disorders have implications on how treatment can be done, targeting all disorders can possibly help with recovery in all areas or adversely make the ailments worse. ADHD medical treatments have also been known to heighten symptoms of ARFID due to a common side effect of stimulant medication is decreased appetite(“ARFID”).

The current list in the DSM of lifetime comorbidity within ARFID includes:

• Depression Disorders • Generalized Anxiety Disorder • Autism Spectrum Disorder • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder • Oppositional Defiant Disorder • Selective Mutism • Intellectual Disabilities

In the case of comorbidity with other eating disorders; there is a distinction made between ARFID and Anorexia Nervosa and people with ARFID may not have body image issues or strive for a certain weight like other eating disorders. However, consistent weight loss and remaining underweight are potential triggers for Anorexia Nervosa. ARFID can also become comorbid or morph into Anorexia Nervosa if left untreated into adulthood. The risk and probability of someone with ARFID suffering from other issues is very high.

Listing my comorbid illnesses always feels uncomfortable but visualizing it personally helps me face my troubles. In art therapy we are asked to draw our illness, the first time I did the exercise my drawing was utterly dark and terrifying. It completely engulfed me. Now, I am at a place, mentally, where I know I am separate from the illnesses. I know not to place blame on myself either, mental and physical illness don’t have to be as dark as it sounds once you make peace with it and work on recovery!

The NEDA symbol was created by the National Eating Disorders Association. The symbol represents awareness, hope, and recovery for eating disorders.