Eating Difficulty Resources
ARFID
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, more commonly known as ARFID, is a condition characterised by the person avoiding certain foods or types of food, having restricted intake in terms of overall amount eaten, or both.
Anyone of any age can have ARFID. It occurs in children, teenagers and adults. Although people with ARFID may lose weight or have low weight, this is not a criteria for ARFID. It can occur at any weight and varies in different people.
Unfortunately there is very little resource within CPFT to support with ARFID as this is not a commissioned service within the trust.
Please see below some resources to explore that may be of help:
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Children's Nutrition and Dietetics
Pica
Pica is a feeding disorder in which someone eats non-food substances that have no nutritional value, such as paper, soap, paint, chalk, or ice.
For a diagnosis of Pica, the behaviour must:
- Be present for at least one month
- Not part of a cultural practice, and
- Be developmentally inappropriate e.g., it’s not generally diagnosed in children under the age of two, as it is common for babies to “mouth” objects, which can lead to them accidentally eating substances that aren’t meant to be eaten.
Often, pica is not revealed until medical consequences occur, such as metal toxicity, cracked teeth, or infections.
Pica affects people of all genders and ages, though it is more likely to first appear among children. It can occur alongside other illnesses, including other eating disorders. In cases where it is this other illness that has caused the behaviour related to pica, a separate diagnosis of pica would be made only if it is serious enough to need clinical attention beyond that already being provided for the other illness.
People with pica don’t usually avoid regular food, meaning they may still be getting all the nutrients they need. However, some non-food items eaten can be very dangerous, especially if eaten in large amounts.
If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible so that you can get the right treatment and support you deserve..
Please see below some resources to explore that may be of help:
Managing Pica - LD specific
As a patient, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support.