Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Treatment In Tennessee

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is when someone avoids certain foods or restricts how much they eat due to things like fear of choking or disliking food textures, but unlike anorexia, it's not about body image or fear of gaining weight.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is an eating disorder characterized by a limited intake of food and a strong aversion to certain textures, colors, or smells of food, leading to significant nutritional deficiency and an inability to eat a variety of foods.

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ARFID Treatment in Tennessee

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder involves an avoidance of certain foods or entire food groups without the intense fear of weight gain typical of anorexia. Individuals with ARFID may experience symptoms such as significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or failure to gain weight during growth periods.

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Signs & Symptoms of ARFID

Due to missing nutritional components, people with ARFID may be at very low body weights or suffer from malnutrition.

ARFID indicators:

  • Avoidance of certain food textures, colors, or smells
  • Limited food variety and refusal to eat whole categories of food
  • Significant weight loss or failure to gain weight during childhood
  • Nutritional deficiencies that may require supplementation
  • Lack of interest in food or eating
  • Anxiety or distress related to eating situations
  • Difficulty in social situations involving food
  • Gastrointestinal issues related to eating
  • Sensory sensitivities to food

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Comparing ARFID to Anorexia

While both ARFID and anorexia involve food restriction, they differ significantly in motivation and behaviors. Anorexia is driven by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to severe food restriction and compensatory behaviors. In contrast, ARFID does not involve concerns about body weight or shape; instead, it often stems from sensory sensitivities or aversions to certain foods, resulting in limited dietary intake without the same level of psychological distress related to body image.

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Help is a Phone Call Away

Many misconceptions surround eating disorders, but if you suspect a loved one is struggling, seeking treatment promptly is crucial. Our residential eating disorder care center offers personalized support tailored to each client’s specific needs, providing the tools necessary for lasting recovery.

Benefits of Individual Therapy for Eating Disorders

Individual therapy at Haven of Hope is an integral part of the eating disorder recovery process, offering numerous benefits to help clients manage and overcome disordered eating patterns. Each client receives personalized care, ensuring they have the tools to achieve lasting recovery. Our individualized therapy program instills real hope by teaching and strengthening essential skills, such as:

Developing healthier coping mechanisms
Building self-esteem and body acceptance
Challenging and reframing negative thought patterns
Addressing underlying trauma and emotional triggers
Creating sustainable, balanced nutrition habits

What Causes Eating Disorders in Young Women?

Eating disorders are complex and typically result from a combination of various factors. Here are some common causes:

Genetics & Family History

A predisposition to eating disorders can be inherited and run in families.

Psychological Factors

Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and impulsive behaviors may contribute to disordered eating.

Environmental Factors

Social and cultural pressures, including media portrayals of unrealistic body standards, can trigger eating disorders.

Trauma

Past emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, as well as attachment trauma, often play a role.

Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mental health issues frequently co-occur with eating disorders.

Peer Pressure

Social influences, such as pressure to fit in or meet certain body ideals, can intensify disordered eating.

Substance Use

Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate or lead to unhealthy eating behaviors.

Dieting & Body Image Issues

Persistent dieting or body dissatisfaction can lead to restrictive or disordered eating patterns.

We’re Here to Help

At our Tennessee residential program for adult women and female-identifying individuals, you’ll experience the warm, nurturing environment we've designed to support healing from disordered eating and co-occurring trauma & attachment disorder. We recognize the complexities of eating disorders and use an integrated, evidence-based approach to help you or your loved one recover. Individual therapy is a key part of our program, fostering trust, honesty, and a judgment-free space for healing. Our Cordova-based program is dedicated to helping clients heal, grow, and thrive.

Call us today at 570-718-8800 to learn more about our treatment program for adult women.

Get Adolescent Eating Disorder Help Today

If you are concerned that your child may be struggling with disordered eating, please reach out to our team for a confidential discussion or assessment.

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