Up To 5% Of People Have This Eating Disorder

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID, impacts up to 5% of the general population. The condition was recognized as a food or eating disorder in 2013, and symptoms include fear and anxiety over consuming food. ARFID can be linked to anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD. “The people that have this diagnosis have a fear of food, meaning a fear consuming food, [and] a fear of being around food,” therapist Danielle Gordon said. “It can also present in a form of fear of choking, vomiting, or being allergic to the food.” ARFID sufferers could have a list of 10 or fewer foods that they will eat. Early intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, and guided exposure can help patients add more foods to their “safe” list. (newser)