What is ARFID?
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) goes beyond the typical “fussy eating.” It’s a complex condition where individuals experience a deep aversion to certain foods, often due to their sensory qualities or past negative experiences with eating. Unlike simple food preferences or concerns about body image, ARFID is recognised as a distinct eating disorder in the DSM-5 and affects people of all ages and genders.
In a classroom of 33 children, it’s likely that one may quietly struggle with ARFID, with boys being slightly more affected. ARFID can appear suddenly or develop over time, often coexisting with conditions such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, and OCD, reflecting its complex nature.
Addressing ARFID involves specialist care, focusing on both nutritional wellbeing and fostering a positive relationship with food. Our empathetic, science-based approach aims to make eating an enjoyable experience, guiding individuals through a supportive journey towards a healthier relationship with food
5% of eating disorders in the UK are ARFID
1 in 33 of these children showed signs of ARFID
Approximately 13-22% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also meet the criteria for ARFID
Nearly 75% of individuals with ARFID who receive early, multidisciplinary intervention show significant improvements within one year
What causes it?
The causes of ARFID are varied and deeply personal, making it much more than just disliking certain foods. Traumatic eating experiences, such as choking or allergic reactions, can create a strong fear around food, turning mealtimes into a source of anxiety.
For some, sensory sensitivities play a crucial role. If the texture, taste, or smell of food feels overwhelmingly intense, it can make eating certain foods difficult, leading to avoidance and a restricted diet. This is especially challenging for those whose sensory issues limit their variety of foods.
In addition, some individuals simply lack interest in food, finding it less appealing than it might be for others. This lack of interest can lead to nutritional difficulties, impacting overall health. Life events, stress, and societal influences also play a part in complicating one’s relationship with food.
ARFID affects people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK. Understanding the underlying causes — whether rooted in past trauma, sensory sensitivities, or a disinterest in food — helps to validate the experiences of those living with this condition and points the way toward effective support.
What are the symptoms & effects?
ARFID isn’t just about being a picky eater. It profoundly shapes how a person engages with food, often causing significant emotional and social challenges. For neurodiverse individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, ARFID can be particularly tough. The textures, tastes, and smells of food may feel overwhelmingly intense, leaving only a small range of ‘safe’ foods to choose from, which limits nutritional intake.
Physically, ARFID can lead to nutritional deficiencies that impact growth and well-being. This can result in slower physical development or feelings of constant tiredness and weakness, as the body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs.
Emotionally, ARFID can make mealtimes a source of anxiety, causing people to avoid social eating situations. This can lead to social isolation, affecting relationships with family and friends, and increasing feelings of loneliness.
In school or work settings, worrying about food can become a mental burden, making it harder to concentrate and perform well, adding to the daily challenges.
Despite these difficulties, ARFID is manageable with the right support. Understanding and patience from loved ones, combined with tailored strategies from healthcare professionals, can make a significant difference. It’s about moving forward together, helping individuals find comfort in their relationship with food.
How can it be managed?
Managing ARFID requires a comprehensive, compassionate approach that involves nutrition and mental health care. A personalised plan, crafted by healthcare professionals, is key to addressing all aspects of the disorder. This usually involves dietitians and psychologists working together to correct nutritional deficiencies while also addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of eating.
Therapies such as talk therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Exposure Therapy are often used to help individuals face their fears around food. Hypnotherapy can also complement these strategies by easing anxiety and helping individuals feel more comfortable with eating.
Although there are no specific medications for ARFID, treatments for related issues such as anxiety or depression can provide additional support during recovery. This holistic approach ensures that care is both empathetic and evidence-based, supporting individuals in building a healthier relationship with food.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Solution-focused hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for managing ARFID. It targets the subconscious mind, where our automatic reactions and emotions around food are deeply rooted. By gently guiding you into a state of relaxation and focused awareness, hypnotherapy helps to shift your perceptions of food and develop healthier eating habits.
What makes solution-focused hypnotherapy unique is its personalised approach. Every session is tailored to your specific journey, helping you build confidence in your eating habits and navigate challenges with greater ease. Your hypnotherapist will work with you to integrate positive changes into your daily life, ensuring that these new habits become lasting ones.
Beyond improving eating habits, hypnotherapy can foster personal growth and enhance your overall well-being. You may notice improvements not only in how you approach food but also in your broader outlook on life.
In essence, hypnotherapy offers a supportive and compassionate pathway to a healthier relationship with food. Whether you’re working through ARFID or seeking to build better habits, this therapy can make a meaningful difference, helping you move towards a happier, more balanced life.
Our Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder Specialists
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Peter Ely
Islington
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
