ARFID Parent Training Protocol ("ARFID-PTP"): Results of a Randomized Pilot Trial Evaluating a Brief, Parent-Training...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Child Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) presents limited accessible treatment options for children.
• The need for effective, scalable interventions for pediatric ARFID is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a brief, virtual intervention for ARFID in children, termed ARFID-PTP.
• To evaluate the impact of ARFID-PTP on symptom reduction and food incorporation in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 30 children (ages 5-12) with ARFID, assigned to immediate or waitlist treatment groups.
• ARFID-PTP comprised two 2-hour virtual sessions with an optional booster, with data collected at multiple follow-up points.
• Acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy measures were assessed throughout the study.

Main Results:

• High acceptability (M _CEQ-C=7.75) and feasibility by participant retention (90%) were observed.
• The immediate treatment group showed a decrease in ARFID symptoms compared to the waitlist group.
• At 6-month follow-up, significant ARFID symptom reduction was noted, with completers incorporating an average of eight new foods.

Conclusions:

• The ARFID-PTP virtual intervention is acceptable and demonstrates preliminary efficacy in treating pediatric ARFID.
• While modifications may enhance feasibility, the intervention shows significant utility in reducing symptoms and improving dietary range.
• Further research is warranted to confirm efficacy in diverse populations requiring accessible ARFID treatments.