Latest news with #Arfid
South China Morning Post
21 hours ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Study Buddy (Challenger): Eating disorder Arfid is more than just being ‘picky'
Content provided by British Council Read the following text, and answer questions 1–9 below: [1] Arfid, a condition identified some years ago, is not just 'being a picky eater'. Standing for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, adults and children can both be affected by Arfid. The eating disorder can lead people to reject foods based on their smell, taste, consistency or appearance, said Ricarda Schmidt from the Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the University of Leipzig in Germany. [2] Schmidt said many children and adults affected do not feel hungry, are afraid of eating or show little appetite. 'Eating is not a pleasure for them but a burden,' Schmidt said. The aversion to food is sometimes so strong that children develop deficiency symptoms or lose weight, she explained. 'These children eat so little or so restrictively that they develop physical and psychosocial impairments. For example, they avoid birthday parties or school trips because of the food.' The condition is more than just general fussiness or picky eating, a stage many children go through as they develop and which usually passes. [3] The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has recognised Arfid since 2013, and it was included as an eating disorder in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2022. But many countries do not recognise the condition, and doctors tend to classify it with other eating disorders. The number of people affected by the disorder remains unclear. [4] Little is known about Arfid's causes. A genetic predisposition could play a role, especially in those who are sensitive to smells, textures or flavours, or who have an aversion to many foods, said Schmidt. Fear of eating or other Arfid symptoms could also be triggered by early traumatic experiences, such as choking badly as a child, an allergic reaction, being intubated (having a tube placed in the throat for medical reasons) at an early age or an illness that made it difficult to swallow. [5] An analysis published in the Psychiatry Research journal by a team led by Laura Bourne from Univesity College London examined 77 studies that suggested possible therapeutic approaches. The analysis noted that the studies were fairly small and without long-term observation, but the approaches suggested were worth investigating. These include family-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and, in some cases, the additional administration of psychotropic medicine. Medics would need to tailor the treatment to the individual involved, depending on their main problem and its severity. [6] Concerned parents should consult a paediatrician to assess any physical effects of restrictive eating on their child. The paediatrician can also determine whether there are any gastrointestinal problems or food allergies. Parents can also try to create a relaxed atmosphere at the dinner table, even if it's difficult. A new food should be tried at least 10 times so a child can get used to it, said Schmidt. But it does not help to pressure children to eat. Source: dpa, May 27 Questions 1. According to paragraph 1, Arfid is … A. a disorder that only affects young children. B. seen among both adults and children. C. more frequent in young adults who were picky eaters in childhood. D. none of the above 2. Find a word in paragraph 1 that refers to the 'physical texture or feel of food in the mouth'. 3. Based on your understanding of paragraph 2, how do individuals with Arfid feel about food? 4. What differentiates Arfid from 'picky eating' in young children, according to paragraph 2? 5. In paragraph 2, how might Arfid affect how a child takes part in social activities? 6. In paragraph 3, the inclusion of Arfid in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and ICD-11 suggests the condition is … A. under review to determine its seriousness. B. a cultural phenomenon rather than a medical one. C. a legitimate and clinically relevant disorder. D. considered rare and insignificant. 7. List three specific early traumatic experiences mentioned in paragraph 4 that could potentially trigger Arfid symptoms. (3 marks) 8. What does paragraph 4 discuss? 9. What does the phrase 'tailor the treatment to the individual involved' in paragraph 5 suggest about Arfid? Children and adults who are affected Arfid do not feel hungry, are afraid of eating or have little appetite. Photo: Shutterstock Answers 1. B 2. consistency 3. They feel eating is a burden, a stressful and unpleasant obligation. (accept all similar answers) 4. Arfid is a severe aversion to food that leads to physical and social problems, while picky eating is a passing stage many children go through. 5. A child suffering from Arfid might avoid attending social events, such as birthday parties or school trips, where food is present. 6. C 7. choking badly as a child, an allergic reaction, being intubated at an early age or an illness involving difficulty swallowing (any three) 8. the potential factors that cause Arfid (accept all similar answers) 9. The condition's direct effects and severity vary significantly from patient to patient; therefore, a generalised 'one-size-fits-all' treatment may not be effective. (accept all reasonable answers)
The Star
07-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
When you're more than a fussy eater
'No, not even strawberries,' is something Mara says a lot. She cannot eat oranges too – in fact, almost no other solid fruit or vegetables, and no cold cooked meat either. She was breaking out in a sweat before her workplace's Christmas dinner, she says. 'For around 30 years, I thought I was just stupid when it came to food and was acting like a toddler.' That was until she spotted a child with similar eating habits on Instagram. 'The mother described her child's behaviour with the word Arfid. 'I thought: Oh my God, that's me.' Arfid stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, a condition identified some years ago. 'It's crazy when you live with it your whole life and then suddenly have a name for it,' says Mara, now in her mid-30s. Arfid is not just about being a picky eater. 'There's a difference between things I don't like and things I can't eat,' says Mara. For example, she doesn't like marzipan, but simply can't stomach cooked ham. She compares it to reality television shows when contestants have to try and eat insects or offal. 'In any case, I'm very relieved to know what I have,' says Mara, who is of normal weight. She has since seen a doctor and is weighing whether to see a psychotherapist or a speech therapist who has been recommended for those with an aversion to certain solid foods. Eating is a burden Both adults and children can be affected by Arfid. The condition can lead people to reject foods because of the way they smell or taste, or their consistency or appearance, says medical psychologist Dr Ricarda Schmidt from the Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the University of Leipzig in Germany. Many children or adults who are affected do not feel hungry, are afraid of eating, or have little appetite. 'Eating is not a pleasure for them, but a burden,' she adds. Sometimes, the aversion to food is so strong that children develop deficiency symptoms or lose weight, she says. 'These children eat so little or so restrictively that they develop physical and psychosocial impairments. 'For example, they avoid children's birthday parties or school trips because of the food.' But the condition is more than just general fussiness or picky eating – a stage many children go through as they develop and which usually passes. 'Arfid is very stressful for the whole family,' says Dr Schmidt. 'Abnormalities often become apparent early on when eating, for example, during breastfeeding or when introducing complementary foods.' Parents should consult a paediatrician to assess the physical consequences. The paediatrician can also determine whether there are any gastrointestinal problems or food allergies. 'You have to assume that the doctor is not familiar with Arfid and will dismiss it as fussiness. 'However, fussiness passes, Arfid does not,' Dr Schmidt cautions. You can also take practical approaches, for example, by making sure the atmosphere at the dinner table is relaxed, even if this can be difficult, she says. 'Parents should convey a sense of enjoyment around food and keep offering rejected foods in bowls on the table so that everyone can help themselves.' A new food should be tried at least 10 times so that you can get used to it, she notes. But it doesn't help to pressure children to eat vegetables, fruit, dairy products, or meat and fish. Many people with Arfid do wish they could eat certain things. 'Some children would like to eat mashed potatoes, but can't overcome their disgust.' Arfid involves rejecting foods because of their smell, taste, consistency or appearance. Mara cannot eat whole oranges, for example, but can manage orange juice without any pulp. Not recognised by all The US diagnostic directory has recognised Arfid since 2013, but some countries still don't. The condition was included in the World Health Organisation's 2022 edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as an eating disorder, but not all countries have adopted this list either. Doctors generally place the condition with other eating disorders. Due to this inconsistent status, it is not clear how many people are affected by Arfid. In Germany – one of the countries with little recognition of Arfid – young people with the disorder are often assumed to have anorexia, says University of Konstanz's Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy in Childhood and Adolescence working group head Professor Dr Andrea Hartmann Firnkorn. 'But people with Arfid don't restrict their food because they want to lose weight. 'They also eat things like chips, pasta and chocolate rolls, for example,' adds the clinical psychologist. Some of the people who are affected may be underweight, but others are a normal weight or are overweight, although they are often malnourished due to their unbalanced diet. Potential causes and treatments Little is known about the causes of Arfid. A genetic predisposition could play a role, especially in those who are sensitive to smells, textures or flavours, or who have an aversion to many foods, says Dr Schmidt. Fear of eating or other Arfid symptoms could also be triggered by early traumatic experiences, such as badly choking as a child, an allergic reaction, being intubated at an early age, or having suffered an illness involving difficulty swallowing. An analysis of 77 studies – although fairly small studies without long-term observation – provides indications of possible therapeutic approaches, says a team led by PhD student Laura Bourne from Britain's University College London in the journal Psychiatry Research . These include family-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and in some cases, the additional administration of psychotropic drugs. Doctors would need to tailor the therapy to the individual involved, depending on their main problem and its severity. Prof Firnkorn and her PhD student Julia Engelkamp have launched an online therapy programme at their university, which includes video therapy sessions and self-study modules in which families receive individual support. 'It's important that someone neutral comes in, because the topic of food has often become a battleground,' says Prof Firnkorn. 'We won't make Arfid disappear in 12 weeks. 'Other eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia often require long-term therapy involving around 60 sessions. 'But we want to give families tools they can continue to work with. 'If children currently only eat three to four foods, it will take longer than the therapy to achieve a balanced diet with enough variety.' It is important to take small steps. 'Maybe start with spaghetti and move on to a different type or brand of pasta, and don't add tomato sauce right away,' she says. A sense of achievement is important. 'Help your child realise that they have managed to eat something different.' Slow, but hopeful, progress Mara's diet has also expanded over time. 'I've been able to eat dried tomatoes and olives for five years,' she says. She has also been eating pumpkin and tomato soup for a long time, as long as everything is finely pureed, and she also drinks orange juice without pulp. At the company Christmas dinner, she finally found something else she liked: hummus with pureed beetroot. Meanwhile, she is watchful to avoid transferring the condition to her daughter. She does not spoonfeed her baby food, but gives her soft pieces of food that she can pick up and eat herself. With the now widespread method of baby-led weaning, where an infant determines when to stop breastfeeding, children choose for themselves what to eat from what is on offer. 'You offer something and the child decides for themselves what they want to eat. 'So far, my daughter eats everything and she has a big appetite. 'I hope it stays that way!' – By Simone Humml/dpa
South China Morning Post
27-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
What is Arfid? Eating disorder is more than being picky about the food you will eat
'No, not even strawberries,' is something Mara says a lot. She cannot eat oranges – in fact, almost no other solid fruit, or vegetables – nor cold cooked meat. She was breaking out in a sweat before her workplace's Christmas dinner, she says. 'For around 30 years, I thought I was just stupid when it came to food and was acting like a toddler.' That was until she spotted a child with similar eating habits on Instagram. 'The mother described her child's behaviour with the word Arfid. I thought: Oh my God, that's me.' Arfid can lead people to reject foods because of their smell, taste, consistency or appearance. Photo: Shutterstock Arfid stands for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, a condition identified some years ago, and it is not just about being a picky eater. 'It's crazy when you live with it your whole life and then suddenly have a name for it,' says Mara, now in her mid-30s. 'There's a difference between things I don't like and things I can't eat,' she adds.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nine-year-old ‘developed eating disorder after drinking contaminated water'
A nine-year-old developed a serious eating disorder after drinking contaminated water, it has been claimed. Jen Watts is taking legal action against South West Water after her son was allegedly affected by bacteria which entered the water system in Brixham, Devon. Last year, the cryptosporidium crisis led to weeks of disruption in the town. Hundreds of people became ill and the number affected could still turn out to be much higher than first thought. Ms Watts said her son began showing signs of the illness before the outbreak was confirmed. She said: 'I was getting very concerned and I didn't have an explanation. So I took him to the hospital and they sent us home, and then that night the news broke about the water situation with the cryptosporidium. 'I took him back to A&E – he was very, very poorly. He lost a huge amount of weight. He wasn't eating or drinking, had diarrhoea; very bad reflux; inability to swallow. 'We weren't ultimately allowed out of the hospital until he had reluctantly agreed to tolerate some meal replacement drinks. 'A year on and he's still completely reliant upon them. He hasn't eaten a meal since before May 7 last year.' Ms Watts' son, who is also autistic, was later diagnosed with a serious condition known as Arfid, which stands for Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. 'As he himself says, it changed me, mummy,' she said, adding: 'It has been a horrendous year. Because he won't eat or drink or have his meal replacement drinks outside of the house, it's become very restrictive to what we can do and where we can go. 'He would never have developed Arfid if it wasn't for the cryptosporidium. 'Everything that's happened in this last year is a direct result of the cryptosporidium and South West Water's negligence. 'As a mum, it's heartbreaking to see your child go through this, to see them scared of eating and drinking – the things that as humans, we need to survive. And he's scared of doing that.' South West Water has apologised for the crisis and promised it will not happen again. Ms Watts said the company's approach last summer was 'abysmal'. 'Their negligence caused the situation in the first place,' she added. 'Their response at the time and their immediate denial of the situation was woeful. 'To have allowed something like this to cause the problems it's caused for my son, that are going to cause him problems for the rest of his life, is just, frankly, unforgivable.' Ms Watts is now one of several people taking legal action against South West Water. She hopes for a settlement to pay for the help her son will need over the coming years. Jatinder Paul, from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, said he is representing more than 20 people in Brixham. 'A lot of our clients have had life-changing impacts from this cryptosporidium outbreak,' he explained. 'Some of them have gone on to experience conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, some have had psychological impacts. 'And in light of that, some of our clients now will require lifelong treatment or therapies to be able to move on from this.' In a statement, South West Water said: 'We know the rare event in Brixham had a significant impact on local people and businesses and for that we are truly sorry. 'While we cannot comment on live cases, in line with our customer promise we have settled all claims as soon as we have received the information needed from claimants. 'We have settled over 97.5 per cent of all the claims that have been made relating to this incident and we are working to settle any remaining claims as quickly as possible.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Nine-year-old ‘developed eating disorder after drinking contaminated water'
A nine-year-old developed a serious eating disorder after drinking contaminated water, it has been claimed. Jen Watts is taking legal action against South West Water after her son was allegedly affected by bacteria which entered the water system in Brixham, Devon. Last year, the cryptosporidium crisis led to weeks of disruption in the town. Hundreds of people became ill and the number affected could still turn out to be much higher than first thought. Ms Watts said her son began showing signs of the illness before the outbreak was confirmed. She said: 'I was getting very concerned and I didn't have an explanation. So I took him to the hospital and they sent us home, and then that night the news broke about the water situation with the cryptosporidium. 'I took him back to A&E – he was very, very poorly. He lost a huge amount of weight. He wasn't eating or drinking, had diarrhoea; very bad reflux; inability to swallow. 'We weren't ultimately allowed out of the hospital until he had reluctantly agreed to tolerate some meal replacement drinks. 'A year on and he's still completely reliant upon them. He hasn't eaten a meal since before May 7 last year.' Ms Watts' son, who is also autistic, was later diagnosed with a serious condition known as Arfid, which stands for Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. 'As he himself says, it changed me, mummy,' she said, adding: 'It has been a horrendous year. Because he won't eat or drink or have his meal replacement drinks outside of the house, it's become very restrictive to what we can do and where we can go. 'He would never have developed Arfid if it wasn't for the cryptosporidium. 'Everything that's happened in this last year is a direct result of the cryptosporidium and South West Water's negligence. 'As a mum, it's heartbreaking to see your child go through this, to see them scared of eating and drinking – the things that as humans, we need to survive. And he's scared of doing that.' South West Water has apologised for the crisis and promised it will not happen again. Ms Watts said the company's approach last summer was 'abysmal'. 'Their negligence caused the situation in the first place,' she added. 'Their response at the time and their immediate denial of the situation was woeful. 'To have allowed something like this to cause the problems it's caused for my son, that are going to cause him problems for the rest of his life, is just, frankly, unforgivable.' Ms Watts is now one of several people taking legal action against South West Water. She hopes for a settlement to pay for the help her son will need over the coming years. Jatinder Paul, from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, said he is representing more than 20 people in Brixham. 'A lot of our clients have had life-changing impacts from this cryptosporidium outbreak,' he explained. 'Some of them have gone on to experience conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, some have had psychological impacts. 'And in light of that, some of our clients now will require lifelong treatment or therapies to be able to move on from this.' In a statement, South West Water said: 'We know the rare event in Brixham had a significant impact on local people and businesses and for that we are truly sorry. 'While we cannot comment on live cases, in line with our customer promise we have settled all claims as soon as we have received the information needed from claimants. 'We have settled over 97.5 per cent of all the claims that have been made relating to this incident and we are working to settle any remaining claims as quickly as possible.'
