Tag: Food phobia

Studies indicate that a significant percentage of eating disorders, known clinically as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), are not rooted in body image concerns but rather in food-related anxieties or sensory issues. Understanding this difference is a crucial first step in learning how to overcome selective eating disorder and reclaim a healthier relationship with food.

According to reports, the hashtag #eggick has amassed over 4.3 million views on TikTok, showing just how widespread the phenomenon of suddenly being repulsed by eggs truly is. This feeling, known as "the egg ick," can arise from various sensory and psychological factors.

While often viewed as a simple preference, studies show that a significant portion of the adult population identifies as a picky eater, a habit that carries a number of hidden drawbacks. The cons of being a picky eater extend beyond just a limited menu, affecting overall health, social relationships, and mental well-being in complex ways.

According to research from the ADHD & Autism Clinic, up to 90% of children with autism show food separating patterns, a behavior sometimes associated with an aversion to foods touching. When people don't like food touching, the specific term for this phobia is brumotactillophobia. While it may seem like simple picky eating, the underlying causes are often rooted in sensory sensitivities or psychological factors.

First included in the DSM-5 in 2013, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a serious condition defined by a persistent eating disturbance leading to nutritional deficits. Knowing what are the types of restrictive food intake disorder is crucial for proper identification and effective treatment of this complex illness.

While often misunderstood as simply 'picky eating,' Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a serious eating disorder recognized in the DSM-5 that affects people of all ages. For those asking, "What is it like to live with ARFID?", the answer involves a daily navigation of overwhelming sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and social isolation that goes far beyond a dislike for certain foods.