Scientists at the Neuroendocrine Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital are seeking particpants for the CARE Study. The CARE Study investigates the relationship between ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and hormones and regions of the brain. ARFID is characterized by eating a limited volume or variety due to taste selectivity, low appetite, or fear of aversive consequences such as choking or vomiting. They are looking for people who have ARFID and those who do not have any eating difficulties at all between the ages of 10-22 years old.

As a healthy control participant, there are two visits. First, the screening visit is approximately 3.5-4 hours and can be scheduled for any weekday at almost any time. During this visit, you will review the consent with our nurse practitioner, complete a brief history and physical exam, meet with nursing and nutrition to take a small blood draw, and finish the visit with an interview and questionnaires. The second visit is a full day visit lasting from 6:30am to 1:30 pm. This visit includes two different MRI scans, questionnaires, an interview, a smell and taste test, and an IV is placed in the morning because there will be blood draws throughout the visit. Once you complete the second visit you will earn up to $290.

If this research study sounds like something you are interested in, please complete the pre-screen survey in the link below: https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=CEEHL9D3MD. Once you have completed this survey, you will be contacted for a brief phone-screening.