ARFID (Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) is commonly mistaken for picky eating. ARFID is when individuals have an aversion to food. This can cause fear that certain foods may impact us negatively. This can be with the impact of weight or even daily functions and how the food may make us feel. Even though it is common in children, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder is seen in all age groups. Those with ARFID can sometimes struggle from depression and other mental health illnesses.
ARFID is not necessarily about body image, but the psychological effects of consuming certain foods. With this disorder there is a significant fear of choking, vomiting, pain, dying, etc. Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder can lead to severe nutrient deficiency. ARFID can significantly impact an individual in a negative way. Eating disorders are complicated and very serious. If you or a loved one have an ARFID or an eating disorder, seek out a mental health expert trained in eating disorders to help now.
Symptoms:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Choking
- Avoidance of food because of fear, anxiety, trauma, or depression
- Selective of certain foods
- Averting textures, smells, or taste
Therapy can help reduce the symptoms of ARFID and anxiety to help safely introduce and try new foods.
Types of therapy helpful for those with ARFID:
- DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
DBT can help redirect compulsive thoughts and can help to work on anxiety provoking foods. DBT helps to create mindfulness skills to help manage distress tolerance and anxiety, and even emotions surrounding eating by understanding what the body is telling us.
- CBT or CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
CBT-AR works on exposure and addresses the negative thought patterns that affect an individual’s eating habits. It can be used with exposure therapy as well.
- Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy slowly exposes an individual to fearful foods with visualization and talking about the food. This type of therapy will typically work with least to most fearful foods. This type of therapy can be used alongside CBT.
- Group therapy
Group therapy provides a safe and supportive space to learn to share meals to help with eating around others. This allows the client to be around other who experience similar things and can support them through the healing process.
ARFID can cause:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Anxiety around food
- Depression
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Lack of appetite
- Inability to maintain weight
- Osteoporosis
- Nutrient deficiency
- Inability to eat around other people
Do you feel that you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of ARFID? Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder can greatly impact our overall well-being and happiness. It is important to receive help for ARFID right away to help manage the risk factors of the disorder on your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Many people with an eating disorder feel alone and that others may not understand, this is not the case. Therapy is a great tool to help overcome or manage ARFID. Reach out to a trained therapist that is experienced with eating disorders.
You are not alone, be kind to yourself through this process. There are many therapies such as DBT, CBT, exposure therapy, and group therapy that can help you regain control of your eating and help you to live a happier and more fulfilled life. ARFID is a serious disorder and should be treated as such. Try not to let your disorder take control of your life and your happiness.
Group therapy can also be beneficial to have support from others who are going though similar experiences with food and provide that support for someone else as well. Be kind to yourself and others with an eating disorder!
