In this research study we want to learn more about how avoidant and restrictive eating can affect different hormones and regions of the brain. Researchers have shown that the levels of these hormones differ in youth who have difficulty eating certain types of food compared to youth who do not have such difficulties. Yet, we do not yet have much information on the neurobiology of adults with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). ARFID is phenotypically heterogeneous, with three prototypical presentations: choking or vomiting phobias (“phobic type”); loss of appetite or interest in feeding (“low-appetite type”); and/or food aversion due to sensory features (“sensory type”). Our data in youth support a dimensional model of the pathophysiology of ARFID in which unique biotypes underlie each of the three ARFID phenotypes. Based on our preliminary data in youth, we propose that dysfunctional endocrine signaling acts on neural circuitry to produce observable behavioral symptoms that comprise the three ARFID phenotypes in adults.

Avoidant/restrictive eating patterns are associated with high levels of impairment and great medical difficulties. This research will help us understand how differing patterns of brain activation and hormones interact to manifest as avoidant/restrictive eating patterns. Learning this information will help us design comprehensive interventions that help individuals with avoidant/restrictive eating.