ARFID
I’ve come across a type of ED that hasn’t been discussed much. It’s called Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Do you have any experience or tips on this? or have you heard about it before?
@Lovelyrose62
Hi Lovelyrose.
I am familiar with AFRID, and you are right, it is not talked about enough, and I really wish it was because so many people have it (espeically with Autism). I hope you are doing well since your diagnosis <3.
I have learnt a little about this disorder, but I do not have it.. but AFRID can relate to phobia disorder aswell as some symptoms may include fear of negative consquences from eating or discomfort around textures of food. So, I reccomend desensitization and seeking professional help if you aren't already. This disorder is tough, and I am proud of you.
Also, creating a "fear heirarchy" could be helpful, in which you rank the foods that least provoke fear all the way to most, and eventually using densens. you might be able to slowly reintegrate these foods back into your diet.
(Example 😊)
apple (0, non-fear inducing.., comfortable eating on the regular) mash potato (4, causes some distress, discomfort, but wouldn't be so distressing) oatmeal (10, severe uncomfort, can't picture myself eating this in any way).
PS: I reccomend working with a coach, professional, or video course for desensitization. I can link a few if you message me, or provide any support/info. <3
@safeplace288
^^ Not sure if you are diagnosed, my mistake. But no matter what, this advice can still apply if you or a loved one are exhibiting symptoms. 💮
@safeplace288 I like the idea of a fear hierarchy. I will have to try that one!
@Lovelyrose62
I'm so glad! The goal with that is to "start with the fires closet to your feet" eg. fear ranging from 1-2, then 3-4, an so forth. If you end up trying it, I would love some updates if you feel comfortable. I heard it has really high sucess rates, but takes quite some time to reach the 9-10 spot, so don't get discouraged!! (this process can get distressing, which i'm sure you know) I'm wishing you the best of luck with this, and in general.
I definitely want to work on this. My safe foods are chicken tenders, mac and cheese, pizza and some others. I think what really throws me off is I don’t like mixing food. So even taking two things I like and put them together, it brings so much anxiety!
I am diagnosed with AFRID. It use to fall under ED-NOS but when the DSM V came out and they did away with NOS it became its own.
So it is a weird disorder in that unlike Ana and Mia there is not a desire to lose weight. Those of us with it each have our own challenges. So some it is texture, color, temperature, and much more.
For me it is texture and temperature. So I will only eat things that I won’t choke on (I have a fear of choking) and temperature must be lukewarm. As far as liquids I will drink a protein shake, Almond Milk, and Juicy Juice Fruit punch.
Feel free to ask any questions I will try to answer.
It is weird how there’s no component of body image. I feel like EDs have been seen mostly around body issues, but ARFID is so different. I wish it was talked about more so people would understand I’m not just a picky eater.
I so agree because I have had therapists and even medical doctors who have not heard of it and don’t know how to help me
I so agree because I have had therapists and even medical doctors who have not heard of it and don’t know how to help me
@Lovelyrose62 great question! I personally do not have diagnosed ARFID, although I do have autism (often co-occuring) and a very limited diet due to texture/taste issues. I have bulimia as well, and so I felt driven to comment: many people don't understand, but even with the presence of an ED like bulimia, some things are unrelated. For me, the only fruits I will eat are blackberries and frozen blueberries, for example. It drives me crazy when doctors try to tell me this is a means of restricting when, in all actuality, it is not that at all! I do have many of the symptoms/criteria for ARFID, just no formal diagnosis. I wish more doctors were educated on this, specifically the disorder but also similar situations.
