The restricting behavior can be due to sensory sensitivity, trauma, or lack of interest in food.
ARFID Signs and Symptoms
Diagnostic criteria for ARFID is the same in the DSM-5 and the DSM-5-TR.
The irritable/impulsivesubtype refers to those who become irritable or emotionally dysregulated at mealtimes.
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They do not have control over their emotional response and might struggle with body self-control.
Sensory food aversions often occur inneurodivergentindividuals, including autistic people.
The individual exhibits significant anxiety that another aversive experience will occur while they are eating.
Many experts believe that a combination of psychological, genetic, and triggering events can lead to ARFID.
Finally, like many other disorders, ARFID has ageneticcomponent.
Diagnosing ARFID
Physicians and mental health professionals such aspsychologistscan diagnose ARFID.
They may also observe the individual’s behavior.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help address many mental health diagnoses.
For individuals with post-traumatic feeding disorder,trauma informed therapycould help address the underlying trauma contributing to these symptoms.
Second, they must consume sufficient calories andnutritionto survive.
Connecting with atreatment teamthat you trust is key in coping with ARFID.
They can connect you with additional resources, including education and peer support.
A Word From Verywell
Keep in mind that relapse can be part of recovery.
This can feel frustrating, but you’re free to overcome a relapse.
Know that you’re able to always keep moving forward in your recovery.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5.
5th ed., American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: a Three-Dimensional Model of Neurobiology with Implications for Etiology and Treatment.
2018;6(1).
