Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR)

CBT-AR is an evidence-informed treatment for ARFID that uses cognitive behavioural therapy. It is a manualised treatment created to support adolescents and adults with ARFID to reduce their ARFID symptoms.

Usually 20-30 weekly sessions, this treatment will support you to improve your nutrition, support weight gain (if required), improve social aspects of eating and increase the variety of foods.

CBT-AR reduces the severity of your ARFID by addressing the three maintaining mechanisms: lack of interest, fear of aversive consequences and/or sensory sensitivities.

Maintaining Mechanisms

Sensory Sensitivity

Avoidance or restriction of food due to texture, smell, look or taste preference.

Lack of Interest

Avoidance or restriction of food due to limited hunger/fullness cues, difficulties finishing a meal, eating feels like a “chore” or being unable to prioritise eating.

Fear of Aversive Consequences

Avoidance or restriction of food due to a fear of an event occurring, such as choking, vomiting, allergic reaction or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Check your maintaining mechanisms using the Nine Item ARFID Screen:

Find out here