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ARFID Treatment in New Zealand – Understanding & Supporting Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Updated: Dec 23

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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder often misunderstood as picky eating. It involves extreme food avoidance or restriction that impacts nutrition and wellbeing. At The Eat Clinic in Canterbury, NZ, we provide evidence-based ARFID treatment for children, teens, and adults, tailored to individual needs.

What is ARFID?

ARFID is characterised by:

  • Limited food variety due to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or past experiences

  • Avoidance of food groups, textures, or colours

  • Significant nutritional deficiencies or weight loss in some cases

Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not motivated by body image concerns.

Why Specialist Treatment is Important

  • ARFID often overlaps with autism, anxiety, or trauma, requiring specialist knowledge

  • “Just try the food” approaches are ineffective and may worsen anxiety

  • Nutritional therapy ensures safety and gradual, sustainable food expansion

Evidence-Based Approaches

Treatment typically involves:

  1. Nutrition therapy – Structured, gradual exposure to foods while meeting nutritional needs

  2. Psychological therapy – CBT, exposure therapy, or anxiety-focused interventions

  3. Family involvement – Especially for children, coaching parents to support mealtime strategies

  4. Medical monitoring – To track growth, weight, and lab results

Internal links:

  • Link to Anorexia Treatment blog

  • Link to FBT blog

Common Mistakes in ARFID Treatment

  • Forcing or pressuring the person to eat new foods

  • Ignoring sensory or anxiety triggers

  • Delaying intervention until severe malnutrition occurs

What to Expect When Starting Treatment

  • Comprehensive assessment (nutritional, psychological, medical)

  • Individualised plan for introducing foods and addressing anxiety

  • Ongoing monitoring and adjustment

  • Education and guidance for families

FAQs

Q: Can ARFID occur without weight loss?A: Yes, it can cause social, nutritional, or functional impairments without affecting weight.

Q: Is ARFID just picky eating?A: No. ARFID causes distress and significant limitations beyond typical pickiness.

Q: Can adults have ARFID?A: Absolutely. Treatment can be tailored to both children and adults.

Call to Action

If you or your child is struggling with ARFID, contact The Eat Clinic for professional support in Canterbury, NZ. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based guidance for safe and sustainable recovery.


 
 
 

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