Understanding and treating avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
Official title: Mentorship in Biobehavioral Mechanisms of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10920479 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | August 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $186,736 |
| NIH project number | 5K24MH135189-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920479 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages diagnosed with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eating disorders other than ARFID may not receive direct benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Jennifer Joanne — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Jennifer Joanne
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.