[LostGirl4ever]

Hey there everyone!

I was wondering if selective eating disorder is a real thing and if I have it.

I'm 15 years old and have always been a picky eater. For me, it's not always about the taste of the foods but the texture. I have even become physically sick from foods like squash, sausage, and green beans. Although foods like pickles and cherries are foods I can't eat because of the taste. Is this just picky eating or something more?

Thanks!!

[Gr3tta]

That just sounds like a food preference to me. To be a disorder it would need to seriously interfere with your daily life, and it doesnt sound like this does.
Good luck!

[LostGirl4ever]

It causes me to be anxious of trying new foods and going to other peoples houses and restaurants. I'm always worried that something will be in the food or around it and I'll be unable to eat it. Like how do you tell someone you can't eat their food?

[Gr3tta]

I think it is okay to politely decline foods you don't care for in most settings. But if expanding th variety of foods you are comfortable eating is something you want for yourself, then you should definitely work on it.
You might seek the assistance of a nutritionist or counselor, or you might be successful tackling it on your own, or with supportive friends or family members. You could have an'adventures in eating' buddy, or you could keep it a private affair. Gradually introduce disliked foods in small quantities as a means of desensitization. Reward yourself for achievements in trying new things.
I personally think the most important thing is to remove any fear, and be willing to try things. It is okay if you don't like it all.

[Victoria'smom]

In the DSM 5 it is an eating disorder.

[Gr3tta]

Here is a link to a description of the disorder i believe is being referred to. I did not interpret your post as indicating this, but of course i could be wrong. Does this sound like you?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Hope you are well.

[Calorique]

I honestly think that my eating disorder began as "food preference" ... since I was a little kid, I would not eat a food if it touched any other food on my plate, I wouldn't eat it if you couldn't explain exactly what was in it, I didn't like things that looked/smelled/felt "funny". Down the line, I can clearly outline these things in my ED. Food goes on the sectioned toddler plates to not touch, I don't eat anything from a box or package or that someone else has prepared for me, and I don't eat anything that looks unappealing. I also don't like to eat anything with a squishy or mushy texture.

If you are concerned and it is affecting your daily life or your health in any way, I would urge you to speak to someone about it... you sound like me six years ago... and I can guarantee that you don't want to be me right now.

[bronzeowl]

Yes, in the DSM 5, it is mentioned as a diagnosable disorder. There is even a brief paragraph about it in my Abnormal Psych book. I would guess that if you are posting here, it must cause some distress and/or interference in your life.

I do, also, want to add that my restrictive eating, also, began as selective eating. Even as a kid I would refuse foods because they made me anxious. It might be worth discussing it with someone if you're worried about it.