Children and adults with ARFID are often mislabeled as “picky or fussy eaters” because there are some similarities between the two that can complicate the diagnosis of ARFID. “Picky eating” (PE) is a common behavior during childhood in which children may avoid certain foods based on their preferences for taste, smell, or texture. These preferences typically evolve and become more flexible as the child grows, particularly during puberty and adolescence. In contrast, ARFID involves a persistent aversion to food that extends beyond childhood and adolescence and can also develop in adulthood.[1]
People with ARFID often struggle to meet their required intake of nutrients and energy, which may result in signs of being underweight, failure to reach expected weight (in children), or being overweight. Moreover, people with ARFID may refuse food due to intense fear or heightened sensitivity, which are not typically associated with “picky eating”. A study comparing children with ARFID, PE, or autism found that children with ARFID displayed the lowest food responsiveness, indicating a comparatively lower appetite.[2]
Although ARFID has distinct signs and symptoms, not everyone experiences them or experiences them with the same intensity, making the distinction between “picky eating” and ARFID sometimes unclear. Therefore, further research is necessary to better understand the differences between these eating behaviors.
References
- ^Zickgraf HF, Murray HB, Kratz HE, Franklin MECharacteristics of outpatients diagnosed with the selective/neophobic presentation of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.Int J Eat Disord.(2019-Apr)
- ^Dovey TM, Kumari V, Blissett J,Eating behaviour, behavioural problems and sensory profiles of children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), autistic spectrum disorders or picky eating: Same or different?Eur Psychiatry.(2019-Sep)