Severe Food Selectiveness (AFID) is a recognized condition, not a trivial issue.

Severe Food Selectiveness (AFID) is a recognized condition, not a trivial issue.

Struggling with Food: Mara Discovers the Unknown Eating Disorder

Mara, a woman in her mid-30s, has battled an uncommon eating disorder called Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) for around three decades. This condition makes it difficult for her to consume solid fruits, vegetables, and cold cooked meat.

Initially believing her food aversions to be a personal quirk, Mara felt immense relief when she learned about the existence of ARFID through social media. "For about 30 years, I thought I was just stupid about food and behaved like a toddler," she reflects. "But then I found out that I wasn't alone."

ARFID is characterized by more than just picky eating. People with ARFID often avoid foods due to their texture, taste, smell, or appearance. In some cases, those affected feel no hunger or have fears about eating; for them, eating is a burden rather than a pleasure. Like Mara, they may have limited diets, leading to malnutrition or social disadvantages.

According to Ricarda Schmidt, a psychotherapist at Leipzig University, individuals of all ages, including children and adults, can be affected by ARFID. Despite its recognition as a distinct disorder in the USA since 2013 and its inclusion in the 2022 International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization, it is not yet officially classified as a separate disease in Germany.

In Germany, anorexia is often mistakenly assumed in young people presenting with ARFID symptoms. However, unlike those with anorexia, people with ARFID do not restrict their food intake with the intention of losing weight.

The causes of ARFID are not fully understood, but genetics and early traumatic experiences could play a role in its development. Therapy for ARFID, though varied depending on the individual's main problem and severity, may involve family-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and, in some cases, the addition of psychotropic drugs.

Mara is now considering consulting a psychotherapist or a speech therapist to help manage her condition and expand her diet. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic, aiming to minimize the impact of her eating issues on her daughter.

Parents of children with potential ARFID should consult a pediatrician to assess the physical consequences of the disorder and rule out possible alternatives, such as stomach problems or food allergies. They can also be proactive by maintaining a stress-free dining environment and offering rejected foods on the table at mealtimes, allowing their children to choose what to eat.

Successful experiences in modifying diets and easing food aversions are crucial for those with ARFID. Schmidt recommends trying a new food at least ten times to get accustomed to it, while discouraging pressure or force-feeding. The progress can be slow, but therapies and support can help individuals with ARFID move towards a more balanced and enjoyable eating experience.

[Sources: ntv.de, Simone Humml, dpa]

In light of her ongoing battling with Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Mara might have benefits from exploring mental-health related therapy to address her food-related anxieties. To support the well-being and health-and-wellness of children affected by ARFID, parents should consider attending health-and-wellness educational programs that provide guidance on vocational training methods for exposing children to various foods, creating a positive and encouraging environment for eating.

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