Diagram showing the effects and symptoms of ARFID

The most common Types of ARFID

ARFID, Conditions

When we talk about ARFID, it’s definitely not a one size fits all diagnosis.

And on top of that, there a few different Types of ARFID.

From a therapy point of view, it’s really important to know what type of ARFID a person has, so we can tailor the therapy to give them the best possible outcome.

The two broad types of ARFID are Aversive ARFID and Avoidant (or Sensory) ARFID.

The first type, Aversive ARFID, is where some past food trauma created such a negative emotional or physical experience for the person, that their mind lost trust with food.

Some of things that make young children or babies frightened of food are when they get gastro or vomit, reflux….

Confused

I’ve got ARFID. Why can’t I eat different foods?

ARFID, Conditions

At some point, every person with ARFID asks themselves these simple questions:

I’d like to eat something different, but when I try I just can’t.
Why does this happen to me? Why can’t I be like everyone else?

What is it that overrides the logical wants of an ARFID person, and prevents them from expanding their safe group of foods? This article will get to the heart of this dilemma. But firstly, what is ARFID?

What is ARFID?
ARFID is the acronym for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Since 2013 ARFID has been listed as a recognised Eating Disorder in the DSM-5 (the Diagnostic….

A dog holding a carrot

What does ARFID and fear of dogs have in common?

ARFID, Conditions

When we say someone has a FEAR of dogs, we’re not talking about someone who just doesn’t LIKE dogs. A FEAR (or phobia) of dogs means the person will cross to the opposite side of the road rather than be close to a dog; they won’t visit their friends if they know there is a dog in the house; their body goes into a state of anxiety and panic if a dog gets close to them (even if it’s on a lead, a happy dog or just trying to play and lick them); the thought of touching or patting a dog turns their stomach and makes them extremely uncomfortable.

Logically they may look at a dog and see that it is non threatening, but there is an inner part of them that dislikes dogs so intensely, that they can’t bring themselves to touch the dog even if they wanted ……