Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- ARFID (CBT-AR)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been adapted as treatment for ARFID and has shown to be effective. There are four phases to treatment.

1. The first phase involves learning more about what maintains symptoms. This can include psychoeducation and keeping monitoring records. If underweight, preferred foods are used to improve the adequacy of the diet and address deficiencies.

2. Phase 2 involves early changes to eating to increase volume and variety and setting goals towards change.

3. Exposure to new or feared foods are worked on in phase three. Exposure is important as the avoidance of foods maintains anxiety. The least difficult step is started with. As confidence rises, this allows for challenges to progress. Different strategies can be utilised to incorporate feared foods such as ‘fading in’, ‘food chaining’, using condiments or deconstructing meals. Strategies are developed to help manage distress around eating and maximise success.

4. Relapse prevention focuses on developing skills to keep progressing and practicing skills independently.