Effects of Clinic and In-Home Treatment on Consumption and Feeding-Associated Anxiety in an Adolescent With Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

The current study describes a combined behavioral and cognitive–behavioral treatment with an adolescent boy diagnosed with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Treatment included a clinic and an in-home component to increase his consumption of nonpreferred foods and eliminate feeding-associated anxiety. The behavioral treatment components included gradually increasing feeding demands and reinforcing consumption. Through cognitive–behavioral therapy, the boy was taught to use a relaxation procedure, guided imagery, and positive self-statements during meals. Results of changing criterion and multiple baseline designs indicated that treatment improved consumption of previously avoided foods and lowered subjectively perceived anxiety. These findings were maintained posttreatment, and both the participant and his mother rated the procedures and outcome favorably.