Restricted eating, including Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), is a common yet complex challenge for individuals with PANS/PANDAS. Families and patients often struggle to find appropriate support and treatment tailored to the neuroimmune and neuropsychiatric nature of PANS PANDAS. While we strongly recommend addressing the underlying medical condition as part of treatment, some cases of restricted eating are so severe that immediate focus must be placed on ensuring the patient is medically stable and not in starvation mode. The following resources are specifically for restricted eating and ARFID.
Read more about PANS/PANDAS and Restricted Eating: Read Article/Download Toolkit
ASPIRE’s ChitChat on Restricted Eating Support Group
ASPIRE hosts ChitChat, a dedicated support group for parents navigating the challenges of restricted eating in PANS/PANDAS. This group provides a safe space to share experiences, gain insights, and connect with others facing similar struggles.
For more information or to register: Register Today!
National and Online Resources
National Alliance for Eating Disorders
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders, “The Alliance,” provides advocacy, education, and support for individuals and families affected by eating disorders, including ARFID. They offer local and virtual support groups, a treatment database, and referrals to specialized providers.
- The Alliance’s Friends and Family Virtual Support Group – This group was instrumental in getting the information I needed to navigate treatment centers and getting lists of facilities that took my insurance and treated ARFID specifically
- For more information, visit The The Alliance’s website.
Facebook Support Groups for Parents
Eating Disorder Family Support Network hosts vetted parent support groups that provide a safe space to connect with others navigating eating restrictions and ARFID. Admission requires an application process to ensure members are there specifically for support for eating disorders.
Therapeutic Approaches
Felix Economakis, Psychologist (UK)
Felix Economakis, a psychologist in England, specializes in treating ARFID using a hypnosis-based method focusing on relaxation techniques and logical reframing of food aversions. He offers in-person and virtual sessions. He also has an on-demand Ted Talk video course that provides basic information about ARFID and his treatment approach. Nothing in the talk resembled a traditional hypnosis session that we usually think about, but he provided relaxation techniques while logically discussing food aversions. He has trained a few other providers in this method, and they all report a high success rate (80–90%). Some families have found this approach helpful, while others may be hesitant due to the hypnosis component.
- Felix Economakis Facebook Group: ARFID Parents/Carers Support Group (previously diagnosed as SED)
- Felix Economakis Ted Talk/Course
Additional Resources
ARFID and Neurodiversity
This blog explores ARFID through the lens of neurodiversity, offering an alternative perspective on treatment approaches.
Applying the Neurodiversity Paradigm to ARFID
Introductory Video on ARFID
This video overviews ARFID, its causes, behaviors, and treatment options. It is a helpful resource for sharing with friends and family to increase understanding and support.
What is ARFID? Information and details on ARFID behavior, causes and treatment.
NEDA
National Eating Disorders Association – Provides educational resources, screening tools, provider lists and more
Have Additional Resources to Share?
We are committed to updating this resource page with the most relevant and practical information for families affected by PANS/PANDAS-related eating restrictions. If you have a resource that has been particularly helpful, please reach out to us.
Author Information:
Stacy Higginbotham – ASPIRE Lead Restricted Eating Volunteer
Contact: Email
Blog: The Mighty Tulip
Gabriella True
