A rare eating disorder almost killed a 9-year-old girl: 'It tormented her'

ARFID, although less recognized, can be as dangerous as other eating disorders.

The Cleveland Clinic defines ARFID as a condition characterized by limited food intake. This disorder is recognized in the DSM-5.

The condition is characterized by severe fear and anxiety related to food's attributes, including smell, taste, and texture, as well as the potential repercussions of consuming it, such as choking.

Hannah, a 9-year-old from Los Angeles, has experienced malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies due to limiting her food intake to an extreme level.

Hannah and her mother, Michelle (who opted not to reveal their last name), were interviewed by Planet Chronicle Digital about their experience with ARFID, which has involved a significant social media presence.

Hannah and her partner have 1.5 million followers on Instagram, and their TikTok account, @myarfidlife, has over 460,000 followers and millions of views of Hannah trying new foods.

Michelle grappled with her daughter's selective eating habits before Hannah started documenting her journey on video.

"I realized this was way more than just picky eating. This was obviously tormenting her."

As a baby, Hannah, the youngest of three, was a "great eater" until she was introduced to solid foods.

"These behaviors, such as protesting, spitting out food, swatting it out of my hand, or turning away, are quite common among kids," she stated.

By the time Hannah was three years old, Michelle claimed that she had begun refusing to eat the foods she used to enjoy.

She was already limited in her food choices, which made it frustrating for us, she stated.

Hannah's doctors were not overly worried because she was still growing normally, and they believed she would eventually outgrow her picky eating habits.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Michelle observed that Hannah's eating habits deteriorated further, and she cut out even more food.

""She had no interest in food and her growth slowed down, making it a big struggle to get her to eat anything at all," she stated."

Hannah underwent tests to determine if she had another health condition, such as IBS or celiac disease. She was then referred to various specialists, including endocrinologists and nutritionists.

Her mother observed that Hannah's feeding therapy sessions were causing a lot of stress and anxiety.

Despite the doctors' instructions to provide Hannah with food when she was hungry, Michelle's daughter's condition deteriorated.

""She couldn't handle being around food, sitting at the dinner table with us, or the smell when I was cooking something in the kitchen," she said."

As she grew older, Hannah's condition persisted, but she was able to articulate her internal struggle.

Michelle remembered how she was in a drive-thru with Hannah and asked her what she wanted to order. Hannah then broke down and asked Michelle why talking about food made her anxious.

"Those words made me realize that this was more than just picky eating; it was evidently causing her distress."

Seeking help and ‘validation’

Michelle sought assistance from a mental health professional and discovered a therapist who specialized in ARFID. Their initial conversation was "so validating."

"I recall telling her that she only eats a few foods and one of them is sour cream and onion Pringles, but they must be in a specific packaging. She won't eat Pringles from the large container; they have to be in the individual small containers."

"Hearing her say 'This is so classic of ARFID' was so validating."

Hannah found it challenging to consume nutritional protein shakes, which the therapist initially suggested.

Hannah, who was dangerously underweight, expressed to her mother that she no longer wished to continue living in that state.

"Michelle informed Planet Chronicle Digital that "she was at risk of needing a feeding tube due to not gaining weight and falling off the growth chart, as well as not growing in height.""

"I don’t want to live like this anymore."

"She lacked the necessary nutrition, resulting in her being weak, lethargic, and sleeping excessively."

Michelle attempted various entertaining methods to motivate Hannah to consume the shakes, including challenging her to beat her previous best time.

Michelle proposed capturing a video of Hannah consuming her shake to forward to her new therapist.

Hannah was immediately interested in how her therapist would respond.

Michelle decided to share the video online to inform friends and family about Hannah's condition and why she couldn't attend holidays or birthday parties due to food.

Since the initial post, Hannah and Michelle's social media following has surged, with thousands of strangers providing support and encouragement to Hannah.

""Hannah has undergone significant physical and emotional growth, resulting in a boost in her confidence. She is now a completely transformed individual," Michelle remarked."

"She is experiencing curiosity, motivation, and excitement, although there is still a significant amount of anxiety, which she is addressing."

Hannah, now 9, is utilizing her platform to promote ARFID awareness and impart insights she acquires in therapy.

Michelle stated that numerous individuals have found out since the creation of our page that they have experienced this issue throughout their entire lives.

"It's wonderful to connect with others who comprehend and can exchange experiences."

Hannah stated that the online encouragement she receives motivates her to experiment with new cuisine.

"She told Planet Chronicle Digital that it brings her great joy because she knows she's assisting others, while also benefiting herself."

Hannah shared that she feels proud of her continuous bravery.

"I feel good," she said. "I'm really energetic today."

Tips for overcoming ARFID

During her sessions, Hannah undergoes exposure therapy as well as talk therapy.

"She stated, "We practice breathing exercises and coping skills, and we also experiment with various foods.""

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health

The Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Atlanta, directed by Taylor Rae Homesley, specializes in treating ARFID patients.

In an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, she disclosed additional information about the condition.

The term ARFID has brought more awareness to a condition that has existed for a long time, according to Homesley.

According to Homesley, parents should look for three types of ARFID symptoms in their children.

1. Fear of consequences

The expert listed examples such as "I'm afraid I'm going to throw up," "I'm afraid I'm going to get a stomachache," and "I'm afraid I'm going to choke."

2. Lack of interest in eating or food

Kids and adults who lack motivation due to food were described by her.

"The ones who play outside for hours without considering mealtime are the ones who might be playing outside for hours."

3. Avoidance of food based on sensory characteristics

Homesley stated that these are the individuals who have restricted diets due to sensory issues.

"Aversions to taste, texture, smell, or temperature of food may exist among them."

""Our ARFID patients are considered super tasters as they experience bitter flavors at a higher intensity compared to others," the therapist stated."

According to Homesley, methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy have been found helpful in the treatment of ARFID, although it is still being developed.

Michelle recognized the need for increased awareness and community building for ARFID, which prompted her to establish the ARFID Awareness nonprofit.

"The lack of readily available help is unfortunate because ARFID is a lifelong condition that requires treatment," she stated.

"It is crucial to unite the community and express our voices collectively to convey the urgency of the situation."