Understanding and treating avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

Mentorship in Biobehavioral Mechanisms of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10920479

This study is looking at how the brain works in people with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) to help create new and better treatments for those who struggle with eating, while also training future researchers in this area.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10920479 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), a condition affecting individuals' eating behaviors. The principal investigator, Dr. Jennifer J. Thomas, aims to enhance her expertise in neuroimaging techniques to better understand the brain mechanisms involved in ARFID. By integrating behavioral treatment approaches with insights from neurobiology, the research seeks to develop innovative therapies tailored to individuals with ARFID. The project also emphasizes mentorship to foster the next generation of researchers in this field.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages diagnosed with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with eating disorders other than ARFID may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for individuals suffering from ARFID, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding and treating eating disorders through similar multidisciplinary approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.