DR MARIANNE MILLER
CARING EATING DISORDER TREATMENT IN SAN DIEGO AND THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA, TEXAS, AND WASHINGTON D.C. FOR ADULTS & TEENS
Living With Adult ARFID: The Relationship Challenges No One Talks About
When most people hear the term ARFID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, they often imagine children. ARFID is commonly misunderstood as a temporary phase of picky eating. In reality, many adults live with ARFID as a long-term, serious eating disorder that affects far more than just food. It shapes how people relate to their bodies, their emotions, and their relationships.
Adult ARFID can affect every area of life, including dating, long-term partnerships, parenting, friendships, and professional settings. Such relationship challenges are rarely discussed, even though they are often a source of chronic stress and grief. In this blog post, I explore how adult ARFID intersects with connection, autonomy, and sensory food issues, especially from a neurodivergent-affirming and trauma-informed perspective.
ADHD & Eating Disorders: The Overlooked Link
Why Neurodivergent Brains Need a Different Approach to Recovery
If you’re living with ADHD and struggling with disordered eating, you are not alone—and you’re not doing recovery wrong. You might simply need a framework that actually fits your brain. Research has consistently shown a strong link between ADHD and eating disorders. A 2020 meta-analysis found that individuals with ADHD are 3.82 times more likely to develop an eating disorder compared to those without ADHD (Nazar et al., 2020). And the connection doesn’t stop at binge-type disorders. Emerging research also highlights a significant overlap between ADHD and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)—with studies indicating that ADHD traits such as sensory sensitivities, low appetite awareness, and difficulty with food-related routines may increase ARFID risk, especially in children and teens (Kamberelis et al., 2022; Koomar et al., 2021).
Despite these links, ADHD remains widely underdiagnosed in eating disorder treatment settings—especially among women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. And when it is recognized, the support often isn’t designed to address how ADHD actually affects eating.
How ARFID Traits Can Show Up in Recovery From Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder
When people hear the term ARFID—Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder—they often think of children with extreme food aversions. But here’s something less talked about:
👉 ARFID traits can show up during recovery from anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
If you’ve ever felt stuck with food fears, sensory overwhelm, or uncertainty about what’s “safe” to eat—even after doing a ton of recovery work—you’re not alone. These may not be lingering eating disorder behaviors. They could be ARFID traits that were always there, just hidden.
Let’s explore why this happens, how to recognize it, and what supportive, neurodivergent-affirming recovery can look like. 💛
Empower Your Practice in 2025: How My Self-Paced ARFID Training Course Supports Therapists, Dietitians, Medical Providers, and Community Members
If you're an eating disorder therapist, dietitian, medical provider, or community member seeking to better understand and support individuals with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), you're in the right place. My virtual, self-paced ARFID training course is designed to bridge the knowledge gap and provide the tools you need to effectively support those navigating this often misunderstood eating disorder. Taking this ARFID course will help you in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Toronto, Ontario, or London, England, UK, or anywhere in the world!
ARFID and Anorexia: Can They Co-Exist?
When thinking about eating disorders in San Diego, Los Angeles, and NYC, anorexia nervosa and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) often come to mind. Both types of eating disorders involve avoiding or limiting food, but for very different reasons. So, is it possible to experience both at the same time? Let’s take a look at how these conditions might overlap.
Creating a Supportive Mealtime for Individuals Dealing with ARFID
Navigating ARFID? You're not alone. Discover expert guidance and support for families living with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Learn practical strategies, coping mechanisms, and create a nurturing environment for your loved one. Let Dr. Marianne Miller, an ARFID therapist, be your trusted companion on this journey.
An Open Letter to Parents of Teens and Young Adults With ARFID in 2024
This blog post is an open letter to parents with kids with ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder). Whether your child is young, a teen, or even a young adult, it’s important to know the complexities of ARFID and acknowledge the difficulties that all eating disorders have on the family system. Regardless of whether you live in San Diego, California, in NYC, or in London, UK, finding the right ARFID help is key.
When "Picky Eating" Becomes ARFID: Understanding the Nuances
Do you struggle with food? You might not just be a picky eater.
This blog post is for you if you or someone you know has a complicated relationship with food. While we all have our preferences, there's a big difference between being picky and having Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
ARFID is more than just disliking certain foods. It can cause anxiety, fear, and a strong aversion to certain textures, smells, or even the appearance of food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and social isolation.
The good news is that ARFID is treatable. If you think you or someone you love might have ARFID, this post will help you understand the signs and symptoms, as well as the emotional impact it can have. We'll also explore helpful tips and resources to get you on the road to recovery. Don't be afraid to reach out for support – there is hope!
ARFID: How to Deal With the Mental and Physical Health Risks
Struggling with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is no joke. I’ve been working with teens and adults for years in San Diego who have ARFID. My heart goes out to them. Whether you live in sunny San Diego or elsewhere in California, Texas, Florida, and other states or countries, having ARFID means that others misunderstand you, and medical providers frequently misdiagnose you. It’s so isolating. You may have a hard time keeping on weight. You feel uncomfortable going to restaurants and eating in front of other people. Friends and family often say to you “just eat” or ask, “Why can’t you get over it? It’s just food.” They don’t understand that food isn’t “just food” to you. It’s so much more.