Selective eating disorder (SED) (also known as fussy eating or picky eating) is an eating disorder that prevents the consumption of certain foods. It can be as transient as phase children go through or a disorder that follows someone into adulthood.  At this time SED lacks a formal diagnostic criteria  and is not currently listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Sufferers often have difficulty eating foods with a specific texture, smell, or taste; as a result these clients are often nutrition deficient and possibly even underweight. Types of foods such as fats and carbohydrates can also be restricted at times. Many are rigid with their behaviors–a similarity to anorexia. Restricted foods can also be based on color or temperature.

SED is common in young people with autistic tendencies and sensory integration deficits, as well as those with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). If you know somebody who may be affected the recommendation is to seek professional support.