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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for AVOIDANT/RESTRICTIVE FOOD INTAKE DISORDER (ARFID) are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02139, United States