More than 28 million men and women in the US struggle with eating disorders that negatively affect their physical and mental health. What is avoidant restrictive food intake? It’s a new type of eating disorder that doesn’t have the same body image issues as anorexia and bulimia. Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder treatment can help men and women struggling with eating disorders and break the negative association with certain foods.
At Promises Behavioral Health, we support men and women struggling with eating disorders or other types of mental health disorders. We take the time to get to know each client and what is causing their eating disorder. This helps us in forming a tailored treatment program that addresses all of their needs and recovery goals. If you have an eating disorder and are ready to live a healthier life, call 844.875.5609 or fill out our online form for more information about our avoidant restrictive food intake disorder treatment program.
What is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake?
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder that doesn’t have any relation to body image or shape. Rather, it’s an association with certain foods that can cause choking or gagging due to a negative experience. In addition, different textures, colors, shapes, or smells may remind them of that bad experience. To them, that food will hurt them, and their body will cause them to gag or choke when they try to eat it.
If left untreated, ARFID can negatively impact their health and wellbeing. Physical symptoms of ARFID include:
- Stomach cramps
- Menstrual irregularities in women
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fatigue
- Insomnia/hypersomnia
What is avoidant restrictive food intake? At Promises Behavioral Health, we help clients with ARFID who want to break their negative association with certain foods. Our behavioral therapists have years of experience working with all types of eating disorders. As a result, they will help you develop healthy eating habits based on your unique food sensitivities.
What to Expect During Your ARFID Treatment
The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 lists avoidant restrictive food intake as a new class of eating disorders that can affect children and adults. Treatment can involve behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and nutrition classes. The intention is to break the negative association they have formed with certain foods.
Here is what you can expect during your ARFID eating disorder treatment:
Behavioral therapy
Clients will participate in behavioral therapy to identify the reason behind their eating disorder. Then, they’ll begin working to replace any negative association with a positive one that will improve their eating habits.
Medication-assisted treatment
Depression and anxiety are common with eating disorders. Therefore, clients may be prescribed medication to reduce any negative feelings due to their ARFID. Medications such as antihistamines can improve a person’s appetite, and clients who are malnourished will receive medication to restore their physical health.
Speech therapy
Clients with dysphagia or trouble swallowing will work with a speech therapist to improve any problems with swallowing food or water.
Family therapy
Families will participate in the treatment program to reduce any negative feelings brought on by ARFID. It helps everyone see the disorder for what it is and how they can support their child, sibling, or loved one through their recovery process.
Promises Behavioral Health: Your Best Resource for Treating ARFID Eating Disorders
What is ARFID? At Promises Behavioral Health, our team of therapists and medical professionals are well aware of what is avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and how to treat it effectively. We can also simultaneously treat any depression or other mental health disorder caused by ARFID. As a result, we give our clients the greatest chance at expanding their diet and improving their physical and mental health.
Call 844.875.5609 today to speak with our friendly staff about leading a healthy and fulfilling life.