Psychoeducational and motivational treatment for low-weight Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Three case reports in school-aged children.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Individuals with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) experience restrictive or highly selective eating problems that interfere with growth and development. Despite the increasing number of referrals for ARFID, no evidence-based treatments exist. This compilation of case composites describes a novel manualized treatment, Psychoeducational and Motivational Treatment (PMT) for children with ARFID, focusing on exploring motivation to change eating behaviors. This approach is based on motivational non-directive psychotherapy models, psychoeducational interventions, and the usefulness of play to support psychotherapeutic learning in school-age children.

CASE PRESENTATIONS:

Three cases of children with ARFID treated using PMT are presented: a 7-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 12-year-old. These cases illustrate how a clinician delivers PMT interventions in the context of developmental abilities and common comorbidities associated with ARFID.

CONCLUSION:

PMT is a promising therapy for ARFID in school-age children. Challenges and strategies are discussed, including ways to address obstacles such as young age, comorbidities, and use of the virtual environment.

• Authors: Nandini Datta, Brittany Matheson, Avery Carter Walker, Eliza Van Wye, James D Lock
• Journal: Clinical child psychology and psychiatry (Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry) Vol. 28 Issue 3 Pg. 1123-1134 (Jul 2023) ISSN: 1461-7021 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 37032311 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Humans
• Child
• Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
• Feeding and Eating Disorders
• Retrospective Studies
• Feeding Behavior
• Eating