Video

Make sure you watch this short animated video about ARFID. It explains ARFID, how and why it starts, and how we can help. It is a great video to share with the friends and family of anyone experiencing ARFID.

What is ARFID?

Specialist Hypnotherapy logo 80 x 80ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a recognised Eating Disorder noted in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). This was previously known as SED (Selective Eating Disorder).

ARFID is an Eating Disorder where a person is unable to explore foods outside of their ‘safe’ group of foods without triggering a negative emotional reaction or displaying unwarranted disinterest. ARFID is predominately a Food Phobia and is not related to negative body image.

ARFID is not fussy eating.  Fussy eating is normal for young children, and they usually grow out of this phase.

This inability to eat a wider range of foods can lead to health concerns, malnutrition, and creates stress and tension for the individual and family wherever food is involved (dinner time, school, camps, vacations, parties, sleepovers, restaurants, etc.)

ARFID behaviours can be present in young children, teenagers and adults. The behaviour usually starts from a young age, but it can also be triggered later in life.

ARFID rarely rectifies itself without professional intervention and assistance.

The good news is that ARFID responds positively to specific Therapy Protocols.

Specialist ARFID Therapy has a proven track record of helping thousands of clients let go of their old unwanted and restrictive behaviours around food.

Some of the signs that someone is struggling with ARFID are:

 

  • Small list of safe foods
  • Inability to ‘try’ new foods
  • Gagging or vomiting when pushed to eat new foods
  • Lots of food rules; specific brands, foods touching on plate, etc.
  • Prolonged disinterest in eating food (low hunger signals)
  • Health deteriorating due to restrictive food intake
  • Oversensitivity to food smells, tastes and textures
  • Actively avoiding social situations that involve food
  • Inability to be present during family food times
  • Unpredictable behaviour around food

Call now on 1300 323 203 or +61 3 8592 4735 to speak to one of our Therapists about the ARFID Food Phobia Therapy Program.

Video

ARFID Insights presents answers to the most common questions (and misconceptions) about ARFID. Felix Economakis and Glenn Robertson are ARFID therapists who specialise in the treatment of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.

Video

Helping you understand the different Types of ARFID
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