Can talking therapy help picky eaters? new study tests CBT for ARFID
NCT ID NCT05954728
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This 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 of new foods and improves eating habits. Researchers also used brain scans to understand how the treatments work.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-AR) and nutrition counseling
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that CBT-AR is an effective treatment to help children and teens with ARFID eat a wider variety of foods.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 53 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy requires time and commitment, and not all participants may benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program
Boston, Massachusetts, 02139, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.