Children with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) are at a significantly higher risk of developing both psychiatric and physical health conditions, according to a new study by Karolinska Institutet, published in JAMA Pediatrics. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection to enhance care for affected children.
ARFID is a complex eating disorder characterized by an avoidance of various foods, often due to sensory aversions to factors such as taste, texture, smell, or appearance. Children with ARFID may also experience a fear of negative consequences from eating, such as choking or vomiting. This disorder is often associated with a poor appetite and a lack of interest in food.
The consequences of ARFID can be severe, including malnutrition, weight loss, and impaired growth. In some cases, individuals with the disorder may become overweight. For example, a child may limit their diet to foods like chips, ice cream, crisps, and pancakes—foods that are often beige in color. In extreme instances, children have even developed blindness due to a deficiency in vitamin A.
Dr. Lisa Dinkler, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institutet, noted, “Our study underscores the importance of identifying and addressing ARFID early, as the disorder can have far-reaching effects on children’s health.”
The study analyzed data from nearly 31,000 children in the Swedish Twin Registry, with 616 (2%) of the children aged 6 to 12 diagnosed with ARFID. The researchers found that children with ARFID were ten times more likely to have an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder compared to those without ARFID.
Additionally, children with ARFID had significantly higher risks of developing other health conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (seven times more likely), epilepsy (six times more likely), and chronic lung diseases (five times more likely).
The study also revealed that children with ARFID were more likely to receive multiple medical diagnoses and require longer hospitalizations compared to their peers. These findings highlight the complex nature of ARFID, which often coexists with other serious health issues.
Dr. Dinkler emphasized, “ARFID is more than just an eating disorder—it’s a multifaceted condition that is frequently associated with other significant health problems. This calls for a comprehensive approach in healthcare to meet the complex needs of these children.” She hopes the study’s findings will lead to improved detection and more personalized care, ultimately enhancing the long-term prognosis for children with ARFID.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate how ARFID develops in adulthood and explore the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to its association with other psychiatric and physical conditions.
The study was funded by several organizations, including the Swedish Society for Medical Research, the Swedish Mental Health Fund, the Fredrik and Ingrid Thuring Foundation, and the Swedish Research Council. It was also noted that three of the researchers have received research grants and/or fees from Medici, Evolan, Shire/Takeda, Pearson, Baxter Medical, and Fresenius Kabi, unrelated to this study.
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