Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR): An Evaluation of the Feasibility, Acceptability and Effectiveness in Individuals Aged 12 to 25 Years
This study is testing a special type of therapy to see if it can help people with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder improve their eating habits and try new foods.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Orygen Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Melbourne, Victoria and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06463470 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates an adapted form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) specifically designed for individuals with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). The therapy consists of 18-30 weekly sessions, focusing on psychoeducation, treatment planning, and graded exposure to a wider variety of foods. Delivered by trained clinicians, the therapy aims to improve patients' eating habits and nutritional intake, with flexibility for face-to-face or remote sessions as needed. The study will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of this treatment approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with ARFID who are seeking treatment and meet the inclusion criteria set by the Orygen Specialist Program.
Not a fit: Patients currently receiving tube feeding or those deemed inappropriate for CBT-AR due to urgent mental health issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce symptoms of ARFID and improve the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders, suggesting potential success for this adapted approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Current primary diagnosis of ARFID according to DSM-5 criteria as determined by the treating team (the eating disorders Orygen Specialist Program * Presenting for treatment in the eating disorders Orygen Specialist Program * If \<16yo, or \>16 but underweight (BMI \<18.5) and living with their parents/guardian, a parent/guardian should be involved in the treatment. Exclusion Criteria: * Current tube feeding * Inappropriateness for CBT-AR as determined by the clinicians (e.g. if there are more urgent issues to first manage such as high suicidal ideation, if participants do not have adequate comprehension capability, etc)
Where this trial is running
Melbourne, Victoria and 1 other locations
- Orygen Youth Health - Sunshine - Sunshine — Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Recruiting)
- Orygen Youth Health - Parkville - Parkville — Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrea Phillipou — Orygen
- Study coordinator: Andrea Phillipou
- Email: andrea.phillipou@orygen.org.au
- Phone: +61 3 9966 9100
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.