ARFID, ya Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, ek serious eating disorder hai jo 2013 me DSM-5 me officially recognize kiya gaya. Isme log apni food intake ko severely limit karte hain — lekin anorexia ya bulimia ke contrary, iska motive weight loss ya body shape concern nahi hota.Sarfid
Reasons aksar teen categories me fall karte hain:
- Sensory sensitivities – texture, smell, taste ya temperature ka intolerance
- Fear-based avoidance – choking, vomiting ya allergic reaction ka trauma
- Low interest in eating – appetite ka naturally kam hona
Sara, 9 years old, sirf 4 foods khati thi — white bread, plain pasta, apple slices, aur chicken nuggets. Uski problem choice ka masla nahi thi; naye foods try karte hi panic attacks hote the.
Cleveland Clinic ke mutabiq, ARFID bachon aur adults dono me ho sakta hai, aur agar untreated chhoda jaye to malnutrition, developmental delays, aur social withdrawal tak le ja sakta hai.
ARFID vs. Picky Eating – Key Differences
Picky eating ek developmental stage hai jo aksar toddlers aur preschoolers me hota hai. Lekin ARFID:
- Long-term hota hai (months ya years tak)
- Nutrient deficiency, growth issues, ya weight loss cause karta hai
- Emotional distress aur anxiety trigger karta hai
- Social life me problems lata hai (e.g., birthday parties avoid karna)
Ali ka picky eating phase 6 years me khatam ho gaya, lekin uska cousin Bilal, 12, abhi bhi sirf 6 foods accept karta hai aur lunch break me school canteen avoid karta hai.
Beat Eating Disorders UK ke data ke mutabiq, ARFID sufferers aksar 20 se kam food items regularly consume karte hain.
Who Is at Risk?
Research ke mutabiq ARFID ke high-risk groups me shamil hain:
- Children with sensory processing differences
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – studies show up to 55% comorbidity
- Anxiety disorders – generalized anxiety ya OCD ke sath link
- Past trauma related to food – choking, vomiting, ya allergic reaction
After choking on a piece of carrot, Maria (8) crunchy foods se itni dar gayi ke 3 saal tak unko touch tak nahi kiya.
Ek 2024 meta-analysis ke mutabiq, ARFID ka prevalence general population me 4.5% to 11% ke beech hota hai, lekin autism community me significantly zyada hota hai.Sarfid Eating Disorder.
Common Symptoms & Behavior Patterns
Symptoms vary karte hain, lekin sab me ek cheez common hai — khana avoid karna jisse physical ya mental health effect hota hai.
Key Signs:
- Very limited variety of accepted foods
- Avoiding specific textures, smells, ya colors
- Small portion sizes despite hunger cues
- Strong anxiety before mealtimes
- Nutrient deficiencies (iron, calcium, protein)
Usman loves swimming, lekin lunch time ke anxiety ki wajah se competitions miss karne laga.
NHS ke mutabiq, ARFID ke severe cases me bachon ka BMI dangerously low ho sakta hai, jisse growth stunting hoti hai.
How Is ARFID Diagnosed?
Diagnosis DSM-5-TR criteria aur clinical assessments ke through hota hai.
Doctors aur psychologists assess karte hain:
- Food restriction ki duration (≥1 month)
- Physical health impact (weight loss, deficiencies)
- Social & psychological effects
- Ruling out other medical conditions
Tools:
- NIAS (Nine Item ARFID Screen) – questionnaire for screening
- Food diaries and parental observations
Parents ek 2-week food log maintain karein — foods, portions, reactions, aur anxiety triggers note karein.
Proper diagnosis ke bina ARFID ko aksar “extreme picky eating” samajh ke ignore kar diya jata hai.
Treatment Options
Treatment personalized hota hai — har patient ke triggers aur severity pe depend karta hai.
Main Approaches:
- CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID) – Fear aur sensory anxiety ko gradually reduce karta hai
- Family-Based Therapy (FBT) – Parents ko active role deta hai
- Occupational Therapy – Sensory tolerance improve karta hai
- Nutritional Counseling – Gradual nutrient repletion
- Medical Monitoring – Growth charts, labs, deficiency checks
Fatima, 14, CBT-AR start karne se pehle sirf 6 safe foods khati thi. 8 months baad, safe food list 25 tak pohanch gayi.
Research ke mutabiq, CBT-AR se 70% patients me significant improvement hota hai.
Why ARFID Awareness Matters
- Early detection severe health problems prevent karta hai
- Social inclusion improve hoti hai (schools, events, family meals)
- Caregiver education stigma kam karta hai
- Medical community me better recognition ensures correct treatment
Ahmed’s school ARFID awareness session ke baad flexible lunch policy adopt ki, jisse uska attendance aur mood dono improve hue.
Awareness ki kami ki wajah se ARFID ka average diagnosis delay 3+ years hota hai.
FAQs
Q: Is ARFID just being a picky eater?
A: No. ARFID is a clinical disorder with measurable health impacts.
Q: Can adults have ARFID?
A: Yes. Many adults have lived with it since childhood without diagnosis.
Q: Is ARFID treatable?
A: Yes. Early therapy and gradual exposure lead to recovery in most cases.
Q: Is ARFID linked to autism?
A: Yes. More than half of ARFID cases in children also have ASD.
Final Thoughts
ARFID is not a phase — it’s a real eating disorder that can have lasting health and social consequences. With early recognition, professional support, and family involvement, children and adults with ARFID can expand their diet, improve their nutrition, and enjoy a better quality of life.
