Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

(ARFID)

Unlike many other eating disorders, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder or “ARFID” does not usually stem from concerns about an individual’s body shape or size. ARFID often originates from sensory sensitivity, disinterest in food, or a fear of food-related consequences such as choking. Despite it’s potential differences, ARFID can still lead to serious medical conditions from consistent energy and nutritional deficiencies.

Explore common social, mental, and physical symptoms of ARFID below. Please know that all people and eating disorders are unique, so you may observe many or none of these behaviors.

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Common ARFID Symptoms

(Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

  • Limited variety in diet

  • Avoiding entire food groups

  • Persistent fear of eating such as choking or vomitting

  • Eating very slowly or requiring distraction

  • Unexplained weight loss or growth restriction

  • Nutritional deficiencies

  • Avoiding food-centered social situations

  • Skipping meals frequently

How can we help?

Empowered will collaborate with you to gradually tackle fears and sensitivities related to certain types of food. Our registered dietician will work with you to decrease nutritional deficiencies by focusing on sufficient intake, along with safe foods, and eventually working to expand the variety of safe foods. We are here to help understand and reduce the anxiety involved around eating, and to help build the necessary coping skills to face these challenges with dignity and compassion.

Why Choose Empowered?

  • Complexity-ready

    We understand that underlying traumas and attachment wounds often contribute to the development of eating disorders, and that the disorder itself is an active and on-going trauma. Our programming is built to thoughtfully treat co-occurring mental health disorders, along with a transparent plan on when we may need to refer out.

  • Trauma-forward

    We have designed our program around the assumption that trauma is part of most adult eating disorder presentations. We address this from intake on through our groups, individual therapy, and culture.

  • Locally-owned and operated

    Our program is locally-owned and operated, with clinicians, admissions, billing, operations, and marketing in-house. We pride ourselves on maintaining alignment between clinical integrity and the client experience.

  • Inclusive & collaborative

    Our team is committed to helping those suffering from eating disorders, regardless of whether or not Empowered is the perfect fit. We are also flexible in the sense that we can collaborate with and support cultural foods and traditions, vegetarianism, and faith-based eating.

  • Adult-only programming

    With adult-only programming we are able to have open and direct conversations about the realities of living with an eating disorder. Groups can dive in to work, parenting and co-parenting, relationships and divorce, sex, finances, and long-standing and complex trauma.

  • "Real world" programming & mindset

    Our program focuses on helping you thrive in the world and at home, not just during controlled programming hours. By having clients prepare and bring their own food, we are able to observe and guide your actual food selections and patterns.