Is it picky eating or something more?

As children grow and are exposed to a variety of foods, it’s not uncommon for them to develop preferences or picky eating habits. In fact, picky eating is considered developmentally appropriate. But in some cases, a condition far more serious may be at play called avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

ARFID is a type of eating disorder that can severely impact an individual’s physical and emotional health. Symptoms can include a loss of interest in food, anxiety about choking or vomiting, and avoidance of certain foods due to their taste, color, smell or texture. The disorder can lead to nutritional deficiencies and life-threatening complications.

“It can be extremely difficult for parents and caregivers to determine if their child is suffering from ARFID or if they are just a picky eater,” explains Dr. Huma Khan, an adolescent medicine physician at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “Generally speaking, a picky eater’s appetite is not affected by their eating habits, and as a result, their growth and development is not impacted. Children typically outgrow their picky eating habits. However, ARFID can lead to inadequate nutritional intake and will not go away without treatment.”

Dr. Khan says if you are concerned your child may have ARFID, seek advice from their pediatrician.

“Adolescent medicine physicians are trained in the treatment of ARFID and are the most appropriate specialists to manage the disorder,” she says. “A team approach in which a physician, dietitian, and therapist all work together to monitor and advise the family and child is another appropriate option. A specific type of treatment called family based treatment, which is the gold standard of care for anorexia and bulimia, has also been shown to be useful in the treatment of ARFID.”

Find an adolescent medicine physician or therapist trained in family based treatment: Illinois | Wisconsin.