ARFID, OCD & Anxiety: When Food Becomes the Fear

In this episode, I speak with therapist Taylor Rae Homesley about ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and how it overlaps with anxiety and OCD. Taylor breaks down what ARFID really is, how it differs from picky eating, and why it's often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. We explore the three subtypes of ARFID, the role of fear and anxiety, and how treatment often mirrors aspects of exposure therapy used for OCD. Whether you're personally struggling, supporting someone who is, or simply curious to understand more about this often-overlooked eating disorder, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and direction. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and overview of ARFID’s rise in awareness 01:04 – What ARFID is and the DSM-5 classification 01:49 – The three subtypes: sensory sensitivity, fear of aversive consequences, and low interest in food 03:20 – Why ARFID is more than picky eating and why intervention matters 04:02 – How ARFID overlaps with OCD and anxiety 05:05 – Who to seek support from: mental health and medical professionals 06:23 – Exposure work for ARFID vs OCD 07:16 – Finding personal motivation in recovery 07:35 – Signs that it could be ARFID (for parents and individuals )09:28 – The question of control in ARFID vs other eating disorders 10:11 – How ARFID can develop (sensory vs acute onset types) 11:29 – What people need to hear: You are not alone 12:49 – Learn more at emilyprogram.com 13:19 – What treatment looks like: CBT, DBT, food discovery 15:10 – Why collaborative, low-pressure approaches work best 15:41 – Final takeaways and a message to parents and professionals Helpful Links: Visit https://www.emilyprogram.com for more resources on ARFID and eating disorder treatment. Free Discovery Call: If you're currently struggling with OCD or anxiety and want support on your journey, I offer a free 30-minute discovery call. Book at https://www.robertjamescoaching.com Hashtags: #ARFID #OCD #Anxiety #EatingDisorderRecovery #MentalHealth #ExposureTherapy #TheEmilyProgram #OCDRecovery #ARFIDAwareness #FearOfFood #SensorySensitivity #AcceptanceAndCommitmentTherapy #MentalHealthPodcast DISCLAIMERThis video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are dealing with OCD, anxiety, or any mental health concerns, please consult a licensed mental health professional for support.