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Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
MONDO:7770002An eating disorder characterized by avoidance or restriction of food intake due to one or more of the following: lack of interest in eating or food, sensitivity to sensory characteristics of food (such as taste, texture, smell, or appearance), or concern about aversive consequences of eating (such as choking or vomiting), resulting in persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs as manifested by significant weight loss, nutritional deficiency, dependence on enteral feeding or nutritional supplements, or marked interference with psychosocial functioning, and where the eating disturbance is not better explained by lack of available food, cultural or religious practices, another mental disorder, or a concurrent medical condition.
Also known as: ARFID, selective eating disorder
95 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
Follow this condition — get notified about new trialsBroader categories
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New community program targets COPD and mental health together
Disease control CompletedThis completed trial in Xishui, China, tested a community-based program for 3,571 adults aged 35 and older who were at high risk for COPD and had mental health symptoms. The program included lung function tests, digital mental health support, smoking cessation help, and health ed…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Peking Union Medical College • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:03 UTC
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Family therapy shows promise for kids with eating disorder ARFID
Disease control CompletedThis study tested whether family therapy helps children aged 6 to 12 with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) gain weight and improve eating. 98 children received either family therapy or usual care over 4 months. Researchers measured weight changes and parental con…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Stanford University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:02 UTC
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Mediterranean diet shows promise for metabolic health in psychiatric patients
Disease control CompletedThis completed study tested whether a Mediterranean diet could improve metabolic syndrome markers in 30 hospitalized adults with psychiatric conditions. Participants followed either a Mediterranean diet or a standard hospital diet for 8 weeks, then switched. Researchers measured …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: King Saud University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:01 UTC
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Talking therapy tested for picky eating disorder in teens and young adults
Symptom relief CompletedThis trial tests whether a type of talking therapy called CBT-AR can help young people aged 12 to 25 with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). ARFID is an eating disorder where people avoid certain foods or eat very little, not because of body image concerns but due…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Orygen • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jul 02, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can dogs help teens with anxiety and depression? new study says maybe
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether adding dog-assisted therapy to usual care helps teens aged 12-18 with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. 70 teens in a day hospital were randomly assigned to either get dog therapy plus usual care or usual care al…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Hospital Clinic of Barcelona • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Can talking therapy help picky eaters? new study tests CBT for ARFID
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested two treatments for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in 53 children and teens aged 10-18. One group received cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-AR) and the other received nutrition counseling. The goal was to see which approach better reduces fear…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Could a common allergy drug help picky eaters gain weight?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether cyproheptadine, a drug that boosts appetite, can improve eating habits in children aged 2 to 6 with pediatric feeding disorders. Researchers gave the drug along with nutritional and behavioral counseling to 18 children. The goal was to see if kids would …
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: University of Miami • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:03 UTC
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Caregiver support program shows promise for families facing eating disorders
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a program called Family Connections for caregivers of people with both an eating disorder and a personality disorder. The goal was to see if the program could reduce stress and conflict at home. 124 Spanish caregivers took part, and researchers measured things l…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Valencia • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:38 UTC
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Video game therapy shows promise for mental health
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a 4-week program using active video games (exergames) on the Nintendo Switch could help adults with mental illness feel better and stay motivated. Twelve participants were split into two groups: one played exergames, the other continued their usual routi…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Salamanca • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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New combo therapy shows promise for eating disorders
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a new combination of two talk therapies for adults with eating disorders who are not underweight. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) or a mix of CBT and metacognitive interpersonal therapy (CBT-F+MI…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Centro Trattamento Integrato: Disturbi Alimentari e Obesita • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
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Can a phone app tame disordered eating? small study tests personalized Self-Help
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a self-guided smartphone program for women with disordered eating. Twenty women used their phones to track eating habits for two weeks, then received two personalized treatment modules. Researchers checked if the program was easy to use and if it helped reduce s…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Louisville • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Can a smartphone app help teens battle eating disorders?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a mobile app designed to help teens with eating disorders who are not currently in treatment. Researchers recruited 161 teens through Instagram and Facebook. Participants used a guided self-help app, with some also getting coaching or a social networking feature…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
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New hope for picky eaters: study tackles childhood eating disorder
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested two programs designed to help children aged 5 to 9 with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a condition where kids can't eat enough or a wide enough variety of food. The goal was to see if these programs could reduce severe symptoms like poor grow…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Duke University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:06 UTC
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Appetite pill may help Tube-Fed kids switch to eating
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a drug called megestrol (an appetite stimulant) could help children aged 9 months to 9 years who rely on feeding tubes transition to eating by mouth. About 70 kids received either megestrol or a placebo, along with a 24-week behavioral feeding program. T…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: University of Kansas Medical Center • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:33 UTC
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Can peers help others recover? small study tests new program
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether a 10-week recovery program, co-led by a peer with mental illness and a professional, is feasible for people with mental illness in Taiwan. Twenty participants completed the program, which focused on recovery concepts, strengths, and goal setting. Researc…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: National Cheng-Kung University Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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IBD patients at risk for eating disorders, study finds
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study measured how often adults with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) show signs of eating disorders, including avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Researchers used questionnaires to assess eating habits and nutritional status…
Sponsor: Federico II University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:38 UTC
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Brain scans and thinking tests aim to unlock secrets of Self-Harm
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how thinking skills and brain activity differ in people who self-harm compared to those who don't. Researchers interviewed 316 adults and gave them thinking tests, with some also having brain scans. The goal was to better understand self-harm to help create m…
Sponsor: Region Skane • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
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Teen brain scans reveal clues about eating disorders
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how certain personality traits and brain activity are linked to eating disorder symptoms in teenage girls. Researchers used brain scans to measure responses to rewards and followed up one year later to see how symptoms changed. The goal was to better understa…
Sponsor: University of California, San Diego • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:32 UTC
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Study links picky eating in teens to feeding troubles as toddlers
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 60 teens ages 12 to 18 to see if those with Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) had more feeding problems before age 4 compared to healthy teens. Researchers used questionnaires to check early feeding history, growth, and sensory sensitiviti…
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Online parent groups may help families of kids with eating disorders during pandemic
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children with eating disorders and their families in Canada. Researchers tested virtual support groups led by parents who have been through similar experiences. They interviewed parents, youth, and healthcare workers to see …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:28 UTC
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Peer support after psychiatric stay shows promise in small VA study
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a program called Recovery Bridge, where trained peer specialists (people with lived experience of mental illness) helped veterans leaving a psychiatric hospital connect to outpatient care and community life. Fifteen veterans took part to see if the program was f…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Study links fear and stomach pain to eating disorder behaviors
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how fear, stomach discomfort, and feelings of fullness are connected in women with eating disorders. 133 women ate a yogurt described as either high-fat or low-fat (though both were the same) while researchers measured their fear, stomach symptoms, and gut ho…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Ohio University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:08 UTC
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Sleep struggles widespread in psychiatric wards
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how often insomnia occurs in people hospitalized for psychiatric conditions. Researchers checked 427 patients at 11 hospitals in Switzerland and Germany. They also explored whether age, gender, or type of disorder made insomnia more likely.
Sponsor: University of Bern • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:03 UTC
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Can doing meaningful activities boost recovery in mental illness? new study says maybe.
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested an 8-month program called 'Meaningful Activities and Recovery' (MA&R) for people with mental illness. The program helps people take part in activities that matter to them. 139 adults took part to see if the program improves activity engagement, recovery, and qua…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Amager Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:01 UTC
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Could overeating be like addiction? brain study explores link
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at brain activity in 108 women to see if overeating shares features with addiction. Researchers measured brain waves (P300) while women listened to sounds, and also asked about eating habits and mood. The goal was to compare obese women with eating disorders to …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Hospices Civils de Lyon • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:05 UTC
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Could a simple questionnaire unlock the secrets of Kids' eating disorders?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a new parent questionnaire called ORALQUEST to assess feeding and eating disorders in children aged 9 months to 6 years. Researchers included 338 children with chronic conditions like heart defects or autism, as well as those with picky eating. The goal was to s…
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC
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Picky eating in hospital: new study explores why kids refuse food
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked at 102 children aged 2 to 8 who were hospitalized for at least 48 hours. Researchers wanted to understand if food pickiness and neophobia (fear of new foods) affect how much children eat in the hospital. They also examined whether a child's family back…
Sponsor: Hospices Civils de Lyon • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:01 UTC
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Hidden ADHD: study reveals how many adults are undiagnosed
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked at 224 adults who already had at least one psychiatric condition to see how many also had undiagnosed ADHD. Researchers measured how often ADHD was missed and tracked quality of life in those diagnosed. The goal is to highlight the need for better dete…
Sponsor: Takeda • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC
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Could Low-Nicotine smokes plus E-Cigs cut harm for mentally ill smokers?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether using very low nicotine cigarettes along with nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can reduce harmful chemical exposure in smokers with mental health conditions. 88 participants were assigned to different combinations of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The m…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:59 UTC
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Sensory secrets behind picky eating in teens revealed?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether teenagers with restrictive eating disorders, like anorexia or ARFID, have different sensory processing compared to healthy teens. Researchers used questionnaires to measure sensory sensitivity and also screened for autism and anxiety. The goal was to …
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:40 UTC