Many people living with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) also struggle with anxiety. While ARFID is considered an eating disorder, it is closely connected to mental health. Particularly because of the fear responses to food that greatly impact their life. Understanding this link can help one understand why ARFID develops and how it can be effectively treated. One does not need to try to adapt and work around this challenging mental health disorder. Healing is possible!
Why ARFID and Anxiety Overlap
Below are a few examples of how anxiety and ARFID symptoms are similar.
● Fear of aversive experiences: Some individuals avoid foods because they once choked, gagged, or got sick. The memory fuels anxiety about it happening again and understandably, causes the desire to eat the same food.
● Sensory sensitivity: Anxiety can heighten reactions to textures, smells, and flavors, making certain foods feel overwhelming.
● Social anxiety: Eating in front of others or being pressured to try new foods can increase stress, leading to avoidance.
● Generalized anxiety: People with ARFID may also experience broader anxiety disorders, which reinforce food-related fears.
How Anxiety Shapes ARFID Symptoms
Anxiety can significantly shape the way ARFID presents itself. Many individuals avoid entire food groups out of fear that eating them could trigger a negative reaction. When confronted with foods they perceive as “unsafe,” they may experience intense panic, nausea, or distress. Often, maintaining strict control over food choices becomes a way to manage anxious feelings, even though it can limit nutritional variety and quality of life.
Approaches to Treatment
Effective treatment for ARFID with anxiety involves addressing both the food-related behaviors and the underlying fears. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help reframe anxious thoughts about eating, while exposure therapy allows for the gentle, gradual introduction of feared foods in a supportive setting.
Nutritional counseling from a certified nutritionist can help individuals meet their dietary needs while also slowly broadening their food diversity. In addition, family or individual therapy can address the emotional challenges that come with living with both ARFID and anxiety, creating a foundation for long-term recovery.
By treating both ARFID and underlying anxiety together, individuals can make meaningful progress toward a healthier, more flexible relationship with food. By working with an eating disorder expert, you will feel confident that healing is 100% possible.
Reach out today for a complimentary phone call with an Evolve intake coordinator.
