ARFID Therapies for Picky Eating
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests two new programs designed to help young children with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a condition where children struggle to eat enough or a variety of foods. The study investigates whether these programs can improve eating habits and overall health. One treatment, the Family Assisted Diet (FAD), involves parents actively working with their child to set and reach food goals. The other, Feeling and Body Investigator_ARFID Division (FBI-ARFID), uses fun activities to help children understand their body and food sensations. Children aged 5 to 9 who have difficulty with eating, are underweight, or rely on nutritional supplements might be a good fit for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers families a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative approaches that may improve children's eating habits and health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes children who are taking medications known to affect appetite.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that both treatments studied for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) have been checked for safety in children.
For the Family Assisted Diet (FAD), studies have found that similar family-based methods improve children's body weight and the variety of foods they eat. These methods are usually well-received, with parents playing a key role in creating and following plans to increase their child's food intake. Families have noticed less anxiety and a greater willingness in children to try new foods, indicating that this approach is safe and manageable.
The Feeling and Body Investigator–ARFID Division (FBI-ARFID) program has also been evaluated. This program uses fun characters and activities to help children understand their body signals and try different foods. Designed for kids aged 4 to 10, it focuses on accepting and trying new things. Previous studies found it to be safe, with no major problems reported. Children have shown better eating habits and a clearer understanding of their body's signals.
Overall, both treatments appear safe for children, with no major safety concerns reported in past research.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Family Assisted Diet (FAD) and Feeling and Body Investigator_ARFID Division (FBI-ARFID) because these approaches offer unique, family-centered interventions for managing Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Unlike standard care options that might rely on general nutritional counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy, FAD directly involves parents in setting and achieving specific re-nourishment goals, addressing barriers, and ensuring ongoing support. Meanwhile, FBI-ARFID introduces an innovative method using playful characters to educate children about body sensations and food features, which encourages experiential learning through sensory exercises and decision-tree worksheets. These distinct approaches aim to create a more engaging and supportive environment for children to explore and expand their food preferences.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for ARFID?
This trial will compare two treatments for ARFID. Research has shown that family-based treatments, such as the Family Assisted Diet (FAD), one of the treatments in this trial, can help with ARFID. Studies indicate that involving parents in setting goals and strategies for their child's eating habits leads to better food intake and more variety in their diet. This approach has helped children overcome eating difficulties and develop healthier eating habits.
For the Feeling and Body Investigator ARFID Division (FBI-ARFID), another treatment option in this trial, early results suggest that teaching children to understand their body's signals can be beneficial. By trying different foods and paying attention to how their body feels, children become more comfortable and less fearful of new foods. This program aims to increase the variety of foods children eat and reduce their anxiety about food. Both treatments focus on involving families and addressing the specific challenges children face with eating.16789Who Is on the Research Team?
Nancy L Zucker, PhD
Principal Investigator
Duke University
Guillermo Sapiro, PhD
Principal Investigator
Duke University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children aged 5 to almost 10 years with ARFID, who rely on supplements for calories and show significant picky eating. They must be English-speaking and not taking appetite-affecting meds, have no severe intellectual disability or other eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, and not be in another ARFID treatment study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo a 20-session intervention with their parents, focusing on renourishment goals and sensory features of foods
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of nutrition quantity, quality, BMI, and psychosocial functioning
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Family Assisted Diet (FAD)
- Feeling and Body Investigator_ARFID Division
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Duke University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator