Talk therapy to help young people with restrictive eating

Plain-English translation of NCT06463470 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a structured talk therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR), designed for young people aged 12 to 25 who struggle with eating a limited range of foods. The treatment helps you understand your eating patterns, slowly introduce new foods in a safe way, and build confidence around eating. A trained therapist will work with you over 18 to 30 weekly sessions.

Many young people avoid or restrict certain foods because of fear, texture preferences, or worries about choking, which can affect their nutrition and health. This trial is testing whether this specific therapy approach can help them safely expand their diet and feel more comfortable eating.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 12 and 25 years old
you have been diagnosed with avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) by a specialist eating disorders team
you are seeking treatment at the Orygen eating disorders program
if you are under 16, or between 16 and 25 but underweight, you have a parent or guardian willing to be involved in your treatment

You likely don't qualify if…

you are currently receiving nutrition through a feeding tube
you have severe mental health concerns (such as high suicide risk) that need to be addressed first
you don't have the ability to understand or engage in talk therapy, as determined by your clinician

What participation looks like

You would attend weekly sessions with a trained therapist (either face-to-face or online, depending on what works for you) for 18 to 30 weeks. The first few sessions focus on understanding ARFID and nutrition; then you'll work on a plan to gradually introduce new foods and amounts into your diet at your own pace; finally, you'll learn tools to stay on track. If you're under 16 or underweight, your parent or guardian would be involved in some sessions.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 20, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

Australia

Orygen Youth Health - Sunshine - Sunshine, Melbourne, Victoria

Orygen Youth Health - Parkville - Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria