Melbourne Team Creates New Therapy for Teen Eating Disorder

A new treatment is bringing hope to teenagers struggling with one of the least understood eating disorders.

Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne have developed a therapy that successfully reduces symptoms of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID, in adolescents. The study tracked 13 young people aged 13 to 18 over nine months and found significant improvements in their eating habits, mood, and weight.

Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID has nothing to do with body image. Young people with this condition avoid certain foods because of taste, texture, smell, or temperature, or they fear eating will cause pain or discomfort. Some simply lack interest in food altogether.

The consequences can be serious. ARFID can lead to malnutrition, delayed growth, lower bone density, and significant mental health challenges. It affects up to 2% of young people and typically appears at a younger age than conditions like anorexia.

Dr. Claire Burton led the research team in creating a two-phase approach called FBT + UP-A. The treatment empowers parents to support their children through family meals while also teaching teens to manage feelings of distress without using avoidance as a coping mechanism.

"We observed family eating habits, challenged inflexible and negative thinking, and built resilience," Dr. Burton explained. The therapy helped young people reach healthier weights while also reducing their depression symptoms.

The Ripple Effect

The treatment is already making waves beyond the research clinic. More than 1.1 million Australians struggle with eating disorders annually, and ARFID is increasing in prevalence despite being poorly understood.

Dr. Jim Hungerford, CEO of Butterfly Foundation, Australia's national eating disorder charity, praised the research for offering families evidence-based care. He noted that ARFID affects not just the individual but everyone who supports them.

The study represents one of the first attempts to address both the eating disorder and the mental health problems that often accompany it. By treating both issues together, the therapy boosts confidence and gives families practical tools they can use at home.

Researchers say larger studies are needed before the treatment can be offered widely, but the initial results show genuine promise. Families who participated found the approach both feasible and acceptable, suggesting it could work in real-world settings beyond research environments.

Young people with ARFID and their families finally have a path forward that addresses the full scope of their challenges.