Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Treatment in Norman, Oklahoma
ARFID is a type of feeding and eating disorder which typically develops in childhood or infancy and can result in malnutrition. If untreated the symptoms of ARFID may persist into adulthood or develop into another category of eating disorder. In ARFID, the consumption of certain foods is restricted based on the foods taste, texture, smell, appearance, color or a past negative experience with the food. This then results in malnutrition or inability to maintain a healthy weight. Many types of eating problems can result in an ARFID diagnosis such as refusing to eat certain types of foods due to texture, taste or sensory issues, eating only small bites of food due to fear of choking, eating only small portions, or having no appetite. What distinguishes ARFID from other eating disorders is that there is no evidence of body image disturbance in those who suffer from ARFID, however a high level of anxiety is associated with food and meal times. Current research suggests that ARFID may be the result of sensory processing issues or even occur after a traumatic event such as a choking episode.