UNDERSTANDING ARFID – ANXIETY, FEAR & AVOIDANCE

Finding Hope & Strength In Your Recovery

What Is ARFID?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterised by an aversion to food intake and restrictive eating patterns that can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or developmental issues.

Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not associated with a distorted body image or fear of gaining weight. Instead, individuals with ARFID may have an apparent lack of interest in eating, avoid foods based on sensory characteristics like texture or smell, or have concerns about potential negative consequences of eating, such as choking or vomiting.

ARFID can affect individuals across different age groups, but it is particularly common in children and adolescents. However, adults can also experience ARFID, often as a continuation of symptoms from childhood if left untreated.

ARFID often co-exists with other psychological conditions such as anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and can negatively impact social functioning.

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WHEN FOOD BECOMES THE ENEMY: NAVIGATING LIFE WITH ARFID

Case Study – Alex

Alex, a 20-year-old university student, has struggled with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) since childhood. From a young age, Alex exhibited extreme sensitivity towards specific food textures and flavours, only feeling comfortable consuming a narrow range of foods that were bland and had a uniform texture. This has manifested in intense aversions to foods that others might find innocuous, such as mushy vegetables or spicy dishes.

These preferences have led Alex to maintain a diet that consists mostly of plain pasta, bread, select fruits, and a few types of dairy. Any deviation from these “safe” foods triggers significant anxiety, often accompanied by a fear of choking or feeling unwell, despite having no past incidents of choking or food-related illnesses.

Social events involving food present a significant challenge for Alex. University life, with its frequent social gatherings and shared meals, has often left Alex feeling isolated and anxious. On several occasions, Alex has declined invitations to go out with friends or attend events where unfamiliar food would be a central focus. This avoidance has impacted Alex’s social life and increased feelings of anxiety and stress related to social interactions.

Additionally, the restrictive eating habits have led to nutritional deficiencies, causing Alex to feel fatigued and sometimes affecting concentration in classes. Despite being aware of these challenges, Alex struggles with trying new foods due to the deep-seated fears and discomfort associated with ARFID.

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ADHD, NEURODIVERSITY & ARFID – UNDERSTANDING THE INTERPLAY

The connection between ADHD, neurodiversity presentations and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is complex, and shows significant overlap and interplay.

Prevalence in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Research indicates a higher prevalence of ARFID among individuals with ASD. Sensory sensitivities common in autism, such as heightened sensitivities to textures, tastes, and smells, can contribute to restrictive eating patterns.

Sensory Processing Differences – Many neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, ASD, and Sensory Processing Disorder, experience atypical sensory processing, which can lead to the avoidance of certain foods due to aversion to specific sensory experiences.

Anxiety & Rigidity – Neurodivergent individuals often exhibit tendencies towards anxiety and rigid thinking, which can manifest in highly selective eating habits or the refusal of unfamiliar foods due to fear or discomfort.

Comorbid Mental Health Conditions – Co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviours, are more common in neurodivergent populations and may amplify food-related fears and avoidance found in ARFID.

Developmental Considerations – Developmental milestones may differ in neurodivergent individuals, which can affect feeding behaviours and contribute to prolonged feeding difficulties, increasing the risk of ARFID.

Behavioural & Communication Challenges – Challenges with communication and social behaviour in neurodivergent individuals can make it difficult to express or negotiate food preferences, often leading to restrictive eating patterns.

It is important to consider neurodiversity when diagnosing and treating ARFID, and our tailored approaches at WeightMatters account for sensory and cognitive differences so we can provide effective management and support.

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“My life has improved significantly since working with WeightMatters. I’ve gained confidence and learned to understand my triggers, which has helped me change my relationship with food. Thank you!”

Sarah

“James has been instrumental in helping me transform my relationship with food. I’ve gone from using it as a way to control fear to understanding how my eating habits are connected to emotions and past experiences. He’s more than just a food therapist-he truly cares about helping individuals adopt a positive approach to life.”

Thomas

“After years of failed diets, I realised I needed a different approach. WeightMatters helped me understand the root causes of my eating behaviours and guided me through practical steps to regain control. The therapy sessions and workshops have been invaluable, and I now feel positive changes in myself. The team is professional, compassionate, and truly supportive in navigating this journey with me.”

Amy

“I spent years dieting and believing that my lack of willpower was the issue. After trying everything, I realised the need to focus on the deeper causes of my weight problems and body image issues. Working with James in therapy has been both challenging and transformative. Sessions have given me new insights and tools to understand myself better, and my eating habits are now more controlled. With continued support from James and Sue, I’m confident I’ll reach my goals.”

Christina

“I came to WeightMatters feeling down, depressed, and the heaviest I’d ever been. Over the course of 12 sessions with Helena and six with Sue, I not only lost over 20kg but also learned to understand and manage my relationship with food. Helena helped me address my stress triggers, while Sue made my new eating habits simple and enjoyable. I now feel healthier, calmer, and happier, with friends saying I look 10 years younger!”

Oli

“After years of struggling with overeating and failed diets, I thought gastric surgery was my only option. But after working with James at WeightMatters, everything changed. Over 10 months, my unhealthy relationship with food was transformed as we uncovered the root causes. The compulsion to binge disappeared, and dieting has become easy, with weight falling off. I’m truly grateful to James and his team for helping me find peace with food.”

Barnaby

“WeightMatters has completely transformed my life after 25 years of battling an eating disorder and obesity. Through the Reframe programme, I learned that my relationship with food was more than overindulgence, and I finally faced difficult emotions. Now, I enjoy meals with my family and feel re-educated about health and nutrition. My weight loss journey has just begun, but I’m confident I have the tools to succeed. I’m so grateful for the team that gave me back my life.”

Lucretia

“I’ve struggled with compulsive overeating since my teens, and after trying many approaches, I finally found the breakthrough I needed with WeightMatters. During two intensive sessions with James, I gained key insights into both the psychological and physical aspects of my eating behaviours. The practical tools he provided have already helped me make lasting changes. I feel confident and healthier since the sessions. Booking the Breakthrough Half Days was the best decision I’ve made.”

Abigail

“I reached out to WeightMatters last year, and for the first time, I felt hope in overcoming my destructive relationship with food. With the option for online sessions, I was able to access support from afar. Through our work together, I gained confidence around food and started confronting deeper issues that were affecting my eating disorder. The environment was incredibly supportive, and I would highly recommend WeightMatters to anyone struggling with food or body image.”

Rachel

“I’m a 52-year-old woman who has struggled with weight all my life. Despite trying every diet, slimming club, and even gastric balloon surgery, I always regained the weight. As a last resort, I turned to therapy, though I was sceptical. Working with James at Weightmatters changed everything. Together, we untangled years of misguided beliefs and diet culture. Therapy has given me the tools and freedom to live a happy, healthy life. I can’t recommend James enough – he helped me break free from binge eating and finally maintain my weight loss.”

Angela

“I feel like I have struggled with my weight for my entire life and I got to the point where I didn’t know if I could ever change it. It took working with the WeightMatters team for me to realise that my problems with weight had nothing to do with food. With their support, I am finally losing weight, finding perspective and feeling better about myself. The best part is that this time I know the weight loss is permanent.”

Susan

“I have been consumed for years by my weight, the scales, and being trapped in an endless cycle of either eating nothing or eating everything. For the first time, I felt properly listened to and properly understood. Karen is an excellent listener and she gives you the time and space to really work through feelings. For me, a lot of painful memories that had been packed away were handled in a very caring way. I could not recommend Karen enough and she really did help on setting me on a path to peace.”

Elaine

“The therapy I’ve received through HealthMatters has been life-changing. My therapist has helped me recognize thought patterns I wasn’t aware of, leading to real, positive changes. After 38 years of struggling with diet culture, disordered eating, and poor body image, I finally feel optimistic about healing my relationship with food and my body, and achieving a healthy weight-without ever dieting again.”

Laura

“I’ve been seeing my counsellor, Alison for two years, and she has truly changed my life. While weight loss was my initial focus, Alison helped me realise it’s about self-love and confidence. When I started, I had no job, no friends, and low confidence. Now, I have a job I love, friends, and I’m even changing careers. I feel confident, happy, and free to be myself. Alison is amazing, and the whole team has been incredibly kind.”

Sarah

“The last five years have been a nightmare for my mental health, and I knew I needed professional help. I found HealthMatters online, and I’m so glad I did. My therapist Sophie helped me see how much I was blaming myself and hiding my feelings. She has been a true godsend. I can’t recommend HealthMatters enough – they’ve been amazing. If you need mental health support, this is the place to go.”

Jayne

“I feel with Christine’s guidance I have kicked the can a bit further down the road. Somehow or other at some point during the sessions I had some listening ears on and I feel I have come away with some tools which will help me with my emotional eating. I am by no means ‘fixed’ but definitely feel a lot more empowered and able to deal with my eating issues, which I appreciate very much. I’m feeling hopeful and less in the thrall of food, which is what I wanted at the outset of these sessions. Many thanks Christine.”

Carol

“I was pretty apprehensive about starting therapy sessions and was unsure what I really wanted to achieve by undertaking them. After a couple of sessions Billy helped me to start unpacking the causes of a few issues that I’d been experiencing, and it was a real eye-opener for me to get an external perspective on my life and what I was going through. I’d highly recommend giving it a try.”

Matt

“I have worked with James for a period of 12 months. He was an excellent therapist in my therapeutic journey and during our meetings we focused both on practical steps for me to improve my life but also had some deeper psychotherapeutic sessions. I can say that my binge eating has reduced dramatically, and more importantly I feel more in control over my eating and self-talk. I am also in control over cynicism which was a big part of my eating habits and regressing to old behaviours. I sincerely recommend working with James and WeightMatters, and I thank him wholeheartedly for our journey together.”

Nick

ARFID THERAPY & TREATMENT

Our holistic eating disorder service specialises in a multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) approach to effectively address ARFID. Our comprehensive programme integrates psychological, nutritional, and medical interventions to provide tailored care for our clients.

ARFID Therapy

ARFID therapy blends education, cognitive restructuring, behavioural techniques and emotional support. Our expert team offers:

Initial Assessment – We conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand an individual’s specific food fears, eating patterns, and any emotional or psychological factors contributing to ARFID.

Psychoeducation – We provide education about ARFID, explaining its nature and impacts, to help the individual and their family better understand the disorder and help foster a supportive home environment.

Sensory Integration Techniques – We gradually address hypersensitivity to food textures, smells, or tastes by integrating sensory-based interventions, to promote greater acceptance of diverse foods.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT focuses on reshaping negative thoughts and behaviours related to food. This involves working with individuals to gradually challenge their food-related fears and anxieties, promoting healthier eating patterns.

Exposure Therapy – Our skilled professionals help individuals confront and overcome their fears through gradual and repeated exposure to diverse foods in a safe and supportive environment, decreasing the avoidance behaviours linked to ARFID.

Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques – These are integrated into our programme to help reduce eating-related anxiety and enhance overall resilience, providing valuable tools to cope with stressors.

Emotional Support – Offer ongoing emotional support and encouragement to cope with the difficulties of changing food-related behaviours and attitudes, and to reduce feelings of social isolation.

Managing Wider Mental Health Issues – We explore and work with any co-existing psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma that may exacerbate or be exacerbated by ARFID symptoms.

Progress Monitoring – Continuously monitor and adjust the therapy plan according to the individual’s progress and changing needs, ensuring a dynamic and responsive approach to treatment.

Building Coping Skills – Teach and reinforce coping strategies to help the individual handle situations that trigger food-related anxieties outside of therapy sessions.

By offering this holistic support, our psychotherapists play a critical role in helping individuals with ARFID move towards healthier eating patterns and improvement in their overall quality of life.

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Nutritional Interventions

Nutritional rehabilitation is critical in ARFID treatment. Our registered dietitians work closely with clients to ensure their dietary needs are met through:

Nutritional Counseling/Education – We offer personalised nutritional counselling to guide diet improvements, using fortified foods or supplements when necessary to meet specific nutritional needs.

Gradual Diet Expansion – Respecting individual comfort levels and preferences, our dietitians develop plans to incrementally increase dietary variety, prioritising nutritional balance.

Meal Planning and Monitoring – Our structured meal planning ensures consistent nutritional intake, helping track progress and adjust strategies as necessary.
Nutritional Supplementation – In cases of significant nutritional deficiency, targeted supplements support health and well-being, forming a part of the client’s tailored nutrition plan.

Medical Interventions

Our medical team ensures that each client receives comprehensive care, addressing the health effects of ARFID:

Regular Medical Monitoring – We provide ongoing health assessments to monitor for potential nutritional deficiencies or related health issues, adapting treatment plans as needed.

Nutritional Supplements – Doctors may prescribe vitamins, minerals, or high-calorie supplements to maintain nutritional adequacy and support weight stabilisation when diet alone is insufficient.

Gastrointestinal Health Assessment – For individuals experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms impacting their eating, evaluations by our network of gastroenterologists offer insights and additional support.

Medication Management – Though not typically the first line of treatment, our medical team may consider medications to address co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression that may exacerbate ARFID symptoms.

At WeightMatters we provide a holistic ARFID treatment service. We believe in providing compassionate, comprehensive care to address the complex needs of those with ARFID. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to support individuals on their journey to recovery, promoting overall wellness and a healthier relationship with food.

Book a free assessment call with our friendly client services team, or complete the form below to start your ARFID treatment.