An evaluation of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR) in a youth outpatient eating disorders service: A protocol paper

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a feeding and eating disorder for which there are very few evidence-based treatments. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR) is a novel exposure-based treatment which is suitable for people aged ten and older. The primary aims of the study are to undertake a real-world evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of CBT-AR for young people aged 12-25 years old in an outpatient eating disorders service where the patient population has high levels of psychiatric comorbidity. Clinicians, patients, and parents/guardians will be involved in the evaluation. Assessments will be carried out at baseline, during weekly sessions, at the end of each treatment stage, at end of CBT-AR treatment, and at 3-month follow-up. Assessments will measure ARFID symptoms, mood, quality of life, therapeutic alliance, and feedback on the treatment. The study will take place over a 12-month period and will evaluate the use of CBT-AR within real-life clinical practice conditions, noting how and why deviations from the treatment have occurred. The findings of this research will inform future ARFID treatment delivery and the implementation of CBT-AR at outpatient mental health services.