Written by:

Lee Spinks

Last Updated:

September 30th, 2024

ARFID

While most people know about eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, there are other less-known ones that also affect many people. One of the most dangerous of these is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID. At first glance, it may seem like people with ARFID are just very picky but this couldn’t be further from the truth. ARFID is a serious physical and mental condition which can harm your health and cause huge damage to every other area of your life.

What is ARFID?

ARFID is a type of eating disorder where people avoid certain foods or eat only a few types of food. People with ARFID might avoid foods because of how they feel, look, taste or smell. They might also be very scared of choking, throwing up or having an allergic reaction.

ARFID is different to eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia because sufferers are not usually worried about weight or body image. It is most common in children and teenagers but can also affect adults.

ARFID was officially recognised in 2013 and replaced what was previously called “Selective Eating Disorder.” This wasn’t just a name change; it reflected our growing understanding of the condition.

What are the types of AFRID?

There are a few different types of ARFID which can affect someone on their own or in combination. Each has its own ARFID symptoms:

Avoidant ARFID

This type is when you avoid food because you’re not interested in eating or just don’t care about food. This can be hard to spot and treat because you may not realise you have a problem or be in denial about how bad the situation is.

Conditioned ARFID

Conditioned ARFID happens after a bad experience with food such as choking or throwing up. The fear of going through that again makes you avoid certain foods or eating altogether.

Sensory-sensitive ARFID

Sensory-sensitive ARFID is when you avoid certain foods because there is something about them that you don’t like. This could be their smell, colour or texture and it can massively restrict your food choices.

Symptoms of ARFID addiction to look out for

Being able to spot symptoms of ARFID addiction early can help you deal with the problem before it starts to really harm you. Some of the telltale symptoms of ARFID addiction to look out for include:

• Losing a lot of weight or not gaining enough weight. This is especially true in children where development milestones are missed.
• Not getting the nutrients needed
• Chronic stomach problems
• Relying on supplements instead of regular food
• Avoiding social events that involve food so nobody notices your eating habits
• Getting very upset when faced with certain food
• Thinking and worrying about food all the time

What causes ARFID?

There are various factors which can contribute to someone developing ARFID. It is usually a mixture of these factors which leads to the condition which is why it can be such a difficult eating disorder to treat. Some of the most common factors include:

Family history

If other people in your family have similar eating problems, you could have an increased chance due to your inherited genetics.

Family stress

Stress or arguments in your family and strict or anxious parenting about food can lead to ARFID. Kids might start avoiding food to deal with the stress at home or develop a fear or disgust of certain foods.

Bad reactions to food

If you have allergies, food intolerances or stomach problems, eating can be very uncomfortable, making you avoid certain foods out of fear.

Traumatic food experiences

Bad experiences with food, like choking or being forced to eat, can also create extreme anxiety about food leading to ARFID.

Autism

People with autism have a higher chance of developing ARFID because they are very sensitive to food and can become obsessed with routines, which can limit their food choices.

Other mental and behavioural issues

Conditions like OCD or ADHD can also cause ARFID. For example, if you have OCD, you might be very afraid of food being dirty and avoid it.

The dangers of ARFID

ARFID eating disorder can cause a lot of problems in different areas of life. It can seriously affect your health and personal life and can even be life-threatening. Here are some of the worst dangers to understand:

Health impacts

One of the main issues with ARFID is poor nutrition. Because you eat only a limited variety of foods, you often don’t get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy. For kids and teenagers, this lack of proper nutrition can lead to problems with growth and development.

Not getting enough nutrients can also weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off illnesses. Many people with ARFID also experience stomach problems, such as pain, constipation or other digestive issues.

Personal and social impacts

Many people with ARFID avoid social events that involve food, like parties or eating out with friends. This can make you feel very lonely and leave you distanced from your loved ones who could help you.

The constant worry about food and eating can cause a lot of anxiety and stress and over time, this can leave you feeling very depressed and affect your self-esteem.

Daily life and relationships

The effects of ARFID can also spill over into daily life and relationships. Poor nutrition and the stress of dealing with ARFID can make it hard to concentrate and have enough energy, which can make school and work very difficult.

At home, eating habits can cause massive stress and worry for family members, leading to arguments or tension. This tension usually comes from a place of love, but it can affect all of your most important relationships.

How to treat ARFID?

Treating ARFID can be complicated, and a plan that fits your needs is needed. At Oasis Bradford’s sister centre, Banbury Lodge, we approach ARFID treatment holistically, which means we look at the whole person and their overall well-being, not just the eating disorder. Here’s what our treatment includes:

One-to-one therapy

In these personalised sessions, you will learn to understand why you have ARFID. You will discuss your relationship with food and learn healthier ways to cope with your feelings and behaviours.

Group therapy

In group therapy, you will meet others who have similar challenges. Sharing your experiences can help you feel understood and you can learn how other people manage their ARFID.

Family therapy

For younger people, especially, involving family members in ARFID treatment is very important. Family therapy can help discover any issues within your family that have played a part in your ARFID so you can all heal together.

Nutritional counselling

Our expert nutritionists and dieticians will help you create a meal plan that works with your food preferences. They will gradually introduce new foods while ensuring you get all the necessary nutrients.

Aftercare support

After completing the main treatment programme, ongoing support is crucial for maintaining your progress. Oasis Bradford offers regular group therapy sessions, completely free for a year, to help you continue improving after you leave us.

Get help with ARFID today

If you or someone you know is struggling with ARFID, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Banbury Lodge offers comprehensive treatment plans to help you overcome ARFID and reclaim your life. Don’t wait – reach out today and take the first step towards a whole new future and a healthier relationship with food.

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