Selective Eating Disorder (SED) is a recently recognized eating disorder affecting both children and adults. It was first identified in the late 1990s by Dr.

Nancy Zucker, a psychologist and researcher at Duke University, and is also known as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

What is Selective Eating Disorder?

SED is a type of eating disorder where a person has an extremely limited range of food choices, often due to fear of certain foods.

People with SED are not just picky eaters or “fussy” about their food, but they have a deep-seated fear or anxiety around trying new foods or eating anything outside of their very limited range of “safe” foods.

What Causes Selective Eating Disorder?

The exact cause of SED is unknown, but it may be linked to sensory processing difficulties or anxiety disorders. Children with SED may have had negative experiences with food, such as choking or vomiting, or have been forced to eat foods they disliked.

For adults, SED may be a result of trauma, and it can be related to other mental health conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

What are the Symptoms of Selective Eating Disorder?

The main symptoms of Selective Eating Disorder include:.

Refusal to eat certain foods due to their taste, texture, color, or smell
Extreme picky eating and very limited range of foods (less than 20)
Avoiding social situations involving food
Lack of interest in food
Anxiety or fear around trying new foods
Significant weight loss or growth delays in children

What are the Health Risks of Selective Eating Disorder?

Aside from the possibility of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, SED can also lead to psychological and emotional problems. Children with SED can experience a decrease in self-esteem and difficulty socializing with peers.

Adults with SED may have difficulty eating in public or at social events, making it difficult to form relationships.

If left untreated, SED can also lead to the development of other mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, or even lead to the development of other eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa.

How is Selective Eating Disorder Diagnosed?

SED is diagnosed by a mental health professional, often a psychologist or psychiatrist. In some cases, a physician or dietitian may also be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of SED.

A diagnosis is made when a person meets the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which includes extreme picky eating and avoidance of certain food groups resulting in significant impairment to daily life.

How is Selective Eating Disorder Treated?

Treatment for SED involves a multidisciplinary approach, including therapy, dietary counseling, and sometimes medication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating SED, as it helps individuals identify the thoughts and feelings that contribute to their anxiety around trying new foods. Exposure therapy is another technique used to help individuals safely try new foods and expand their range of acceptable foods.

Dietary counseling can help individuals ensure that they are meeting their nutritional needs while expanding their range of acceptable foods.

In some cases, the use of medical foods or supplements may be necessary to ensure that individuals are receiving adequate nutrition while they work through their aversions to certain foods.

Living with Selective Eating Disorder

Living with SED can be challenging, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, individuals can learn to expand their range of acceptable foods and improve their quality of life.

It is important for friends and family members to support individuals with SED and avoid making comments or judgments about their eating habits.

In conclusion, Selective Eating Disorder is a newly recognized eating disorder that affects both children and adults. Individuals with SED have a deep-seated fear or anxiety around trying new foods and have an extremely limited range of food choices.

Treatment for SED involves a multidisciplinary approach, including therapy, dietary counseling, and sometimes medication.