Mind and Plate: Can Trauma Shape Our Relationship With Food?

Highlights:

Food carries emotional and psychological significance, and our relationship with it is complex and influenced by various factors
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by persistent food avoidance or restriction
Intense trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, can contribute to the development or worsening of ARFID symptoms

Are you someone who counts their calories? Do you experience guilt when you exceed your calorie budget by even a small amount? It's possible that you may be heading towards developing an eating disorder.

Food, beyond being a necessity, holds significant emotional and psychological meaning for us. Various factors can influence our complex relationship with food.

All You Need to Know about Eating Disorders
Eating disorders involve extreme attitudes and behaviors towards food and weight. It has the highest suicidal mortality rate than other mental illnesses.

‘Food can nourish us both physically and emotionally, but for some, trauma can leave a bitter taste, shaping a complex relationship with what sustains us. #ARFID #PTSD #FoodRelationship’

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Interestingly, there is a connection between a lesser-known eating disorder called Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

ARFID, previously known as Selective Eating Disorder, is characterized by persistent food avoidance or restriction, leading to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and impaired physical or psychological functioning ().

This disorder presents various symptoms and behaviors, including avoidance of certain textures, colors, smells, or tastes. However, diagnosing ARFID can be challenging due to its often-misunderstood nature.

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is a mental condition triggered by a traumatic event. PTSD treatment includes pyschotherapy, behavior therapy and medications.

Trauma, particularly intense traumatic experiences, can profoundly impact a person's relationship with food, potentially leading to the development or worsening of ARFID symptoms.

Conversely, severe trauma can result in a diminished appetite and emotional numbness. Consequently, a link exists between Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), particularly selective eating disorder, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

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ARFID, previously known as Selective Eating Disorder, is a recent diagnosis in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). It is characterized by persistent avoidance or restriction of food, leading to notable weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and impaired physical or psychological functioning. ARFID is a complex and misunderstood eating disorder that severely limits food intake.

ARFID can manifest in diverse ways, with individuals displaying various symptoms and behaviors. Common patterns include avoiding specific food textures, colors, smells, or tastes. The disorder profoundly affects an individual's physical and psychological well-being, as well as their overall quality of life.

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Accurately diagnosing ARFID can be challenging, as it is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. It is crucial to differentiate ARFID from other eating disorders or medical conditions that may present similar symptoms.

The Interplay between ARFID and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

The causes of ARFID are multifaceted and not yet fully comprehended. Intense trauma can deeply impact a person's relationship with food. Genetic, neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors may all contribute to the development of the disorder. In some cases, there is a connection between ARFID and PTSD, specifically Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

PTSD and ARFID: A Coexisting Relationship

Traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, accidents, or other highly distressing events, can significantly influence an individual's relationship with food and eating.

Trauma can lead to heightened anxiety, fear, and aversions, including aversions to specific meals or eating environments. These phobias and anxieties can contribute to the onset or worsening of ARFID symptoms.

It is important to note that not all individuals with ARFID have a history of trauma or develop PTSD, and not all individuals with PTSD develop ARFID. However, trauma may play a role in the development of ARFID or impede the treatment process for some individuals.

It is important to note that not all individuals with ARFID have a history of trauma or acquire PTSD, nor do all individuals with PTSD develop ARFID. Nonetheless, trauma can contribute to the development of ARFID or complicate the treatment process for some individuals.

Reference:

Impact of expanded diagnostic criteria for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder on clinical comparisons with anorexia nervosa - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7191972/)

Source-Medindia