Newly recognized category of eating disorder gives doctors tools to diagnose children who have a different motivation to limit food intake
Thomas has always been a little bit anxious. After a particularly aggressive bout of the stomach flu last year, his anxiety began to increase, especially when it came to food. Meal time is now a real struggle. He often refuses to eat what’s on his plate, and his lunch box often comes back full. When asked about why he doesn’t eat, however, Thomas’s motivation is not to be thin or to lose weight: he is scared of getting sick again.
Emma dislikes particular food textures, and has a very small appetite. While she will sometimes eat very small portions of her dinner, she started to avoid all green foods. Now she avoids red and orange foods too. Emma also has trouble digesting food from time to time. This poses a big challenge for her mom, who struggles with her at meal time to ensure she gets the nutrients she needs to grow and develop. Emma is 10, but looks much younger because she is underweight.
Thomas and Emma have different symptoms that point to a new category of eating disorder called Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (otherwise known as ARFID). This new recognition has given doctors the tools to diagnose children who restrict their food intake, but don’t have “traditional” eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.