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Home / Eating Disorder Treatment Programs / Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new diagnosis amongst the nationally
recognized eating disorders. It’s similar to anorexia in that it involves self-imposed restrictions on what you eat. However, unlike most other eating disorders, ARFID does not revolve around negative body image. This doesn’t mean that it isn’t very dangerous. ARFID treatment is more critical now than ever before.
Therapy and treatment for ARFID can be challenging to find. Therefore, we offer these effective treatment protocols at our inpatient eating disorder treatment center.
What is ARFID?
ARFID is problematic because there aren’t many resources for treatment and education. Many people don’t even know what ARFID is. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder is, in general, an extreme version of picky eating. Individuals suffering from ARFID will only be willing to eat very few different foods. They eat either so little or such a limited variety that they develop nutritional deficiencies.
ARFID used to have another name: selective eating disorder. People with ARFID usually eat only certain textures or flavors of food. They are usually uninterested in eating. They may also fear negative consequences of eating, such as choking or vomiting. However, they do not have a fear of weight gain or a dysmorphic body image.
ARFID is most common in children and adolescents, but ARFID treatment is a valuable resource for anyone struggling.
Overview of ARFID
Common Signs of ARFID
The first step towards getting ARFID treatment is noticing the signs and symptoms. Because avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder does not include negative body image, it can be harder to see. However, the symptoms will show themselves if you pay attention. They include:
- Dramatic weight loss
- Wearing excessive layers to hide weight loss or keep warm
- Reports gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, consistent cramping, and upset stomach
- Dry skin
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Thin, brittle hair
- Fainting or dizziness
- Menstrual irregularities
- Slow or poor wound healing
One of the more vague signs is when a picky eater gets pickier over time. Plenty of young people are selective about what they eat, but when this gets worse and worse over time, it may be a problem. If it begins affecting their health, it’s worth getting help. Adults may try to offset the nutritional deficiencies with vitamins, but there’s no substitute for a healthy diet.
ARFID Treatment Options
We offer plenty of treatment options for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder at Selah House. Selah House is a Christian eating disorder treatment center in Anderson, Indiana. We offer anorexia treatment, bulimia treatment, and a range of other treatments to anyone looking to retake control of their life.
We also take a holistic approach to eating disorder treatment. Specifically, this means that we try to heal the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Therefore, our therapies range from individual and family therapy to art and equine therapy. We also offer more spiritual treatment for those who want to strengthen their relationship with God.
For ARFID treatment, we will utilize both nutritionists and therapists. This ensures you will be healthy and have a sustainable recovery in the future.
Get Help at Selah House Today
Too many people wait to treat their eating disorder until it’s too late. Sometimes it takes so long because people don’t recognize the signs in time. Other times, people are simply too ashamed or afraid to admit the problem and take the necessary steps. Don’t let this happen to you. Get help today!
If you want to learn more about ARFID treatment at Selah House, contact our dedicated admissions staff today.
