What is ARFID?
ARFID (Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is more than just picky eating. It is a serious eating disorder that can have lasting effects on one’s health and wellbeing. While there are numerous signs and symptoms of AFRID that vary from person to person, there are many individualized treatment options and coping strategies that can aid in the recovery of this disorder.
By: Rebekah Paster
Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (AFRID) is an eating disorder that is characterized by highly selective eating. However, unlike other eating disorder diagnoses, clients with ARFID typically aren’t preoccupied with their weight or body shape. Many people with ARFID fear that they will choke, gag, and/or vomit on unfamiliar foods. As a result, any foods that are not considered “safe” are often met with immense fear and anxiety. The amount of “safe” foods tends to decrease over time until most flavors and textures are considered unsafe. Over time, people with ARFID often become malnourished due to the limited variety of food that they are able to eat.
What are some signs and symptoms of ARFID?
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, some signs and symptoms of ARFID include:
Nutritional deficiencies
Picky eating that worsens over time
Fears of choking, gagging, and/or vomiting
Lack of interest in food
Refusal to eat foods with certain flavors and/or textures
Difficulty concentrating
Impaired immune system
Who is most at risk of ARFID?
Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID tends to present more frequently in men than in women. ARFID also tends to develop in childhood, while other eating disorders are more likely to develop in adolescence. Other risk factors for ARFID include existing diagnoses of anxiety disorders, OCD, attention-deficit disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, ARFID can also occur outside of these high-risk groups.
How is ARFID treated?
The most common treatment for ARFID is a series of graded food exposures. During this process, people in treatment for ARFID work with a therapist and/or nutritionist to gradually desensitize themselves to new foods. This process can last anywhere from several weeks to several months; the goal is for the client to increase the range of foods that they can eat without gagging or significant anxiety. In addition, clients often work with a therapist to learn anxiety management skills and to process any emotions and/or memories that emerge during the food exposure process.
BALANCE Eating Disorder Treatment Center™’s clinical treatment team has extensive experience working with clients with ARFID. Our admissions team is happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs & services. Read more about our philosophy here or book a free consultation call with our admissions team below to discuss the next steps.
This post was written by BALANCE intern, Rebekah Paster.
Rebekah is a second-year MSW student at the Columbia School of Social Work, where she specializes in Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice. She is passionate about eating disorder recovery and plans to pursue a career in eating disorder treatment after graduation. Outside of school, Rebekah enjoys cooking and mindful movement.