Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

UK’s leading experts in eating disorders and body image difficulties

WHAT IS ARFID?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a common eating disorder diagnosis that describes children and adults who cannot meet their nutritional needs, typically because of sensory sensitivity, fear of adverse consequences and/or apparent lack of interest in eating or food. Unlike other eating disorders, people with ARFID do not worry much (if at all) about how they look, or how much they weigh. Many people with ARFID find that novel foods have strange or intense tastes, textures, or smells, and they feel safer eating foods that they know well. Some have had negative experiences with food, for example choking or feeling ill. Others may have very low levels of appetite and see eating as a chore.

Once established, a pattern of food avoidance can become longstanding and highly resistant to change. Some of the consequences of this disorder include (but are not limited to): weight loss or being severely underweight; nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition; growth failure in children and adolescents; impairment in social functioning; anxiety and depression.

TREATMENT FOR ARFID

In view of the above, it is strongly recommended that anyone with diagnosed or suspected ARFID seek appropriate medical and psychological intervention as soon as possible. This will help to prevent any serious health problems and ultimately promote higher levels of engagement and enjoyment in daily life.

Specialist Team

The London Centre comprises specialist health professionals trained in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. The team include:

  • Psychiatrists

  • Clinical Psychologists

  • Counselling Psychologists

  • Trainee Psychologists

  • Occupational Therapists

  • Dietitians

  • Family/Couple Therapists

Diverse Treatment Options

The clinic's specialist nature and the experience of its team also enable the offering of a wide variety of treatment approaches and therapies. The clinics offer both in-person and remote consultations.

Personalised Care

At the London Centre, we believe it's important to align our patients with both the right clinician and the appropriate treatment. While we ensure the use of evidence-based therapies we also ensure taking the time to listen to client preferences. This approach enables us to find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs.
 

We are now a CQC-approved specialist clinic – one of very few private eating disorder clinics in the UK that are regulated by the CQC!

Testimonials

 

How it works

Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our treatment is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.

 

Step 1

Contact Us

Before making an appointment you can contact us with any questions you might have via phone, email or by using our online contact form. Your first contact will more than likely be with Kerry, our wonderful PA.

Step 2

Assessment

Before the initial session, clients are requested to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their current circumstances, preferences, and availability for appointments. While not mandatory, this information assists us in matching individuals with the most suitable clinician.

Step 3

First Session

Following the assessment, clients will have a session to discuss their recommended treatment plan. A start date will be agreed upon, and arrangements will be made for an initial session.
 

Featured

FAQs

 

  • The fees do vary depending on, which clinician you see. For a full summary of our fees, what health insurance company policies we accept, and details about making payments please click the link. (https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/fees)

  • Our Team PA, Kerry, is available to answer any questions you may have prior to booking an assessment. If you would like to discuss treatment options or have a general conversation prior to booking, you are able to schedule a call with Mini Jones, our Clinic Lead who is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns. For further information, or to request a call back, please click the link provided to get in touch via email, phone, or through our online contact form.(https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/book-an-appointment)

  • It is important to note that we do have a 24 hour cancellation policy on all booked appointments. Any cancellations received within 24 hours remain fully charged.

    We request payment for an initial assessment appointment in advance of your appointment, which you can make over the phone using a debit or credit card or via the secure payment link sent to you with your invoice. For any further treatment sessions, and unless covered by private health insurance, we will invoice you sessionally which is payable upon receipt, however, we offer a maximum 30-day period in order to receive payment.

    All appointment reminders will be sent to you via our client management system ‘Cliniko’ - notifications@cliniko.com please do add this email address to your inbox contacts to ensure all communications are received promptly.

  • Therapy is most effective when a series of appointments tailored to your individual requirements can be established. The NICE guidelines are between 20-40 appointments but we are guided by our clients depending on their needs, preference, and motivation to adopt change. We will always remain flexible to accommodate your preferences.