Clinical Outcomes in a Large Sample of Youth and Adult Patients Receiving Virtual Evidence‐Based Treatment for ARFID: A Naturalistic Study

ABSTRACT

Objective

Treatment outcomes research for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) has been limited to small, mixed‐age feasibility trials in face‐to‐face care settings. This study aims to examine clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in a large sample of youth and adult patients receiving virtual multidisciplinary team treatment for ARFID.

Method

The sample included N = 783 patients (532 youth and 251 adults) diagnosed with ARFID. Patients received cognitive behavioral therapy for ARFID (CBT‐AR) or family‐based treatment for ARFID (FBT‐ARFID) enhanced by specialized support from a multidisciplinary team. Patients (or caregivers) completed a number of measures assessing ARFID and mood‐related symptoms upon admission and throughout treatment.

Results

Youth patients on weight restoration (56%) started treatment around 85% [84%, 86%] of their target weight, and increased to 94% [93%, 96%] by week 35. Adults on weight restoration (47%) started at 85% [84%, 87%] and reached 92% [90%, 94%]. Scores improved for both groups on all PARDI‐AR‐Q subscales: (sensory sensitivity: b = −0.25 [−0.33, −0.16]; lack of interest: b = −0.08 [−0.16, −0.00]; fear of aversive consequences: b = −0.12 [−0.19, −0.04]). Both youth and adults demonstrated reliable improvements in willingness to try new foods ( b = −0.64 [−0.89, −0.37]), anxiety symptoms ( b = −0.71 [−0.95, −0.48]), and depression symptoms ( b = −0.86 [−1.07, −0.64]).

Discussion

Youth and adult patients demonstrated reliable symptom improvements over the course of treatment across all measures, offering preliminary support for the effectiveness of FBT‐ARFID and CBT‐AR delivered virtually by a multidisciplinary care team.