How do you get help for ARFID when you are an adult?

[BorntoDillyDally]

Just that really, how do you get help for this when you are an adult with this?

There doesn't appear (not in my experience) to be any help on the NHS and all private therapy for this is very expensive and sadly not something that I can afford.

Does anyone have any experience with this and where to get help?

There's no one size fits all for ARFID but CBT, anxiety management and medication are sometimes used.

Beat is an eating disorder charity with a good helpline and website
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Anxiety UK has low cost therapy and a good website
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

This is a free CBT course you can do online
https://beatingtheblues.co.nz/

Lots of info on nutrition and sensory sensitivity
https://www.peacepathway.org/patients/resources

ARFID awareness, a charity with a good website
https://www.arfidawarenessuk.org/what-is-arfid

Nothing i found. I had a dietician initially but when ARFID was identified I was dropped. As the dieticians through GP apparently only work with physical based reasons but an eating disorder service througg the mental health team won't as the underlying issue doesnt fit the mental health criteria that does with other eating disorders...

I then went on the Autism waiting list..(been 2 years now going through assesment) hoping that if that is officially diagnosed I can access help that way...

But as PP linked to, I had to find help through those sites and adopting tricks they use for SEN children.

Thank you Jasrai

IESO online therapy helped with my anxiety which caused arfid for me. You can self refer from their website and I found it helped so much as was for 6 months I used their service rather than the general 6 sessions of CBT nhs usually offers. That and being kind to yourself, safe foods etc because it’s better to eat something than nothing x

I took have seen several dietitians, all NHS but they haven't been able to help with the ARFID, they were only able to advise on the management of my IBS.

I've been diagnosed with ADHD but haven't had much luck since the diagnosis earlier this year. I'm under a neuro-gastroenterologist and I have a psychiatrist there but he doesn't have experience with adult ARFID so recommend a couple of private psychiatrists but they were very expensive.

I will try some of the links Jasrai posted

I have tried many CBT sessions over the years. I have struggled with ARFID since I was a very young child (now in my 50's). I was diagnosed with ADHD earlier this year and wonder if there is a connection?

Sadly I have digestive issues and have to be so careful what I eat which is obviously not great when you already have issues with food.

Snap with ADHD but only diagnosed as an adult too! The therapy I did was less CBTy if you get me and more focused on ARFID and building up tolerances to food as I found it was unpredictable textures I struggled with and still do but have gotten better. Crackers and toast will still always be my best friend though

I will reapply and see if there is anyone who may be able to help, thank you.

I totally understand your last sentence - I live off toast and crackers, literally the very few 'safe' foods that I can enjoy.

And plain pasta is my go too as well! Cheese if I’m feeling adverterous😅. Often Greek salad or caprese salad too are safe for me but only prepared by myself or DH