What is ARFID?
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a serious eating disorder where the body is deprived of essential nutrients needed to function correctly. This deprivation slows down bodily functions to conserve energy, potentially leading to severe medical issues. If you or a loved one is struggling, contact us at 855-808-4213 for a confidential conversation about ARFID treatment for adults near Dallas, Texas.
ARFID, previously known as selective eating disorder, is officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association and is listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 provides classifications, diagnostic criteria, and treatment guidelines for various mental and behavioral health disorders.
Unlike other eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, ARFID does not involve a desire to improve body image or lose weight. Instead, individuals with ARFID avoid or restrict specific foods, or all foods, due to reasons unrelated to body image. Some avoid foods of particular colors, textures, or types because of negative associations or traumatic experiences. Others may have a general aversion to eating due to fears of choking, vomiting, or other anxieties.
People with ARFID fail to consume enough nutrition to meet their body’s needs, leading to nutrient deficiencies, weight loss, and potentially fatal health issues like electrolyte imbalances. It is essential to seek ARFID eating disorder treatment as soon as possible.
Get Help Now
Eating disorders are treatable. Call us now to begin your journey to a happier, healthier you!
855-808-4213
Request a Call
Request a free consultation from an Eating Disorder Coordinator.
Signs and Symptoms of ARFID
Most of the time, it’s up to family members to notice the signs and help loved ones get ARFID treatment. In general, the condition is characterized by disordered eating and a failure to meet the appropriate nutritional requirements and weight. Usual ARFID symptoms include:
- Refusing to eat certain foods out of fear of getting sick or choking or because of their smell, color or texture.
- Some individuals simply have no interest in eating.
- Might start as picky eating or having a limited list of preferred foods.
- Rigid and selective with food choices.
- Can become distressed by eating with others, which interferes with school, work and social life.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Treatment for ARFID?
The tragic realities of ARFID statistics provide insight into just how serious this disorder can be if left untreated. Without prompt intervention and support, those with ARFID are much more likely to develop health complications later in life.
Nutritional Deficiencies
ARFID often begins in adolescence, leading to significant nutritional deficiencies in children. This lack of essential nutrients can hinder their growth and development, affecting their overall physical and cognitive health.
Malnutrition and Underweight
Many individuals with ARFID are malnourished and severely underweight due to insufficient nutrient intake. This malnourishment can result in a weakened immune system, reduced muscle mass, and decreased energy levels, making it difficult to perform daily activities and leading to a poor quality of life.
Serious Health Effects
The long-term consequences of not getting treatment for ARFID:
- Heart Problems and Heart Failure: Chronic malnutrition can lead to serious cardiovascular issues, including an increased risk of heart failure.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Insufficient nutrient intake can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, causing complications like irregular heartbeats, weakness, and confusion.
- Asthma: Malnutrition can exacerbate respiratory issues, increasing the severity and frequency of asthma attacks.
- Kidney Failure: The lack of essential nutrients can impair kidney function, leading to kidney damage or failure.
- Osteoporosis: Nutrient deficiencies can weaken bones, making them more susceptible to fractures and leading to conditions like osteoporosis.
- Diabetes: Poor nutrition and body weight management can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Other Serious Health Issues: ARFID can lead to various other health complications, including digestive problems, anemia, and hormonal imbalances, further affecting overall health and well-being.
Request a Call
ARFID Treatment Center in Texas
At Eating Disorder Solutions, we specialize in providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals struggling with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Our ARFID treatment center in Texas addresses the unique challenges of this disorder, offering personalized care plans that promote recovery and long-term health.
Residential ARFID Treatment in Dallas
Our residential ARFID treatment facility in Dallas offers a safe and structured environment where individuals can receive intensive, around-the-clock care. Our dedicated team of nurses, physicians, dietitians, therapists, and psychiatrists work collaboratively to provide evidence-based therapies that address the physical and psychological aspects of ARFID. Our ARFID inpatient treatment program helps individuals develop healthier eating habits, manage anxiety related to food, and build a strong foundation for recovery.
Outpatient Treatment for ARFID
For those who need flexibility, our outpatient ARFID treatment options, including partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient ARFID treatment programs (IOP), provide comprehensive care while allowing individuals to maintain their daily responsibilities. Our outpatient programs offer a range of therapeutic services, including nutritional counseling, individual and group therapy, and psychiatric support. These programs are designed to support long-term recovery by addressing the unique needs of each client in a supportive and convenient setting.
At Eating Disorder Solutions, we are committed to helping individuals reclaim their lives from ARFID. Our personalized AFRID treatment plans ensure that every client receives the care and support they need to achieve lasting recovery.
Start Your ARFID Recovery Today
At Eating Disorder Solutions in Texas, we perform thorough medical and mental health assessments to diagnose or confirm cases of ARFID. Then, we develop tailored ARFID treatment plans that restore the nutrients that individuals need and address the underlying causes of the disorder. We’re fully prepared to support the healing process and a successful recovery.
Seeking avoidant restrictive food intake disorder treatment requires courage, and we understand that this can be a daunting step. We are here to support you throughout the entire journey, from initial diagnosis and insurance coverage to intake and treatment. Contact us today to get your questions answered and begin your path to recovery with Eating Disorder Solutions.
FAQ Section
How to Treat ARFID?
ARFID is treated through medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address food-related fears, nutritional counseling to develop balanced eating habits, and medical monitoring for physical health issues. Severe cases may require residential or inpatient treatment for intensive support.
What Causes ARFID?
ARFID is believed to result from a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors, such as traumatic eating experiences, sensory sensitivities, and co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or OCD.
What Are the 5 Types of ARFID?
The five types of ARFID include sensory sensitivity (avoidance of foods due to texture, smell, or appearance), fear of aversive consequences (avoidance based on past negative experiences like choking), lack of interest in eating or food (limited appetite, and general disinterest in eating), selective eating (extreme pickiness with a narrow range of acceptable foods), and eating-related anxiety (fear or anxiety about eating, including phobias about choking or vomiting).
Can ARFID Be Cured?
While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for ARFID, it can be effectively managed with appropriate therapy and support. This can help individuals develop healthier eating habits and overcome food-related fears and anxieties.
How Does ARFID Develop?
ARFID often develops in childhood or adolescence, typically starting with picky eating habits that become severe over time or after a traumatic eating event, with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and certain personality traits also contributing.
How Common Is ARFID?
ARFID is considered relatively rare but is becoming more recognized, affecting up to 5% of children and a smaller percentage of adults, with a higher prevalence among those with anxiety or autism spectrum disorder.
How Is ARFID Diagnosed?
ARFID is diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare provider, including a detailed medical and psychological evaluation, dietary history, and meeting specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5 for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
Is ARFID Genetic?
While the exact cause of ARFID is unknown, research suggests a genetic component, as it can run in families, and individuals with a family history of anxiety or other eating disorders may be more susceptible.
Can ARFID Lead to Anorexia?
Although ARFID and anorexia are distinct disorders, untreated ARFID can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies and weight loss, which can sometimes result in anorexia-like symptoms, but ARFID does not typically involve the body image issues seen in anorexia.