2026-05-27T10:23:38Zhttps://keep.lib.asu.edu/oai/requestoai:keep.lib.asu.edu:node-1981022025-02-13T18:46:04Zoai_pmh:alloai_pmh:repo_items198102
https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.2.N.198102
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
2024-12
29 pages
Cahill, Dara
Kizer, Elizabeth
Gu, Haiwei
Whisner, Corrie
Barrett, The Honors College
College of Health Solutions
School of Human Evolution & Social Change
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Text
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a complex eating disorder distinct from other conditions such as anorexia nervosa (AN) due to its lack of body image disturbance and unique drivers, including sensory sensitivities, fear of adverse eating consequences, and low interest in food. This disorder, formally recognized in the DSM-5, poses significant challenges due to its heterogeneous presentation and high rates of comorbidities, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite increasing awareness, ARFID remains underdiagnosed, contributing to delayed treatment and worsened health outcomes. This thesis explores a hypothetical research proposal for uncovering the genetic architecture of ARFID using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) framed by the Research Domains Criteria (RDoC) to identify relevant genetic variants influencing food-related anxieties, sensory processing, and metabolic regulation. This research also underscores the necessity of an interdisciplinary treatment approach that addresses both psychological and nutritional aspects. The role of diet in ARFID's etiology is emphasized, as restrictive food intake can exacerbate psychiatric symptoms and contribute to gut-brain axis dysfunction. By applying the RDoC framework, which incorporates biological, psychological, and behavioral dimensions, this study aims to bridge gaps in understanding the pathophysiology of ARFID and improve clinical practices through targeted interventions. Identifying genetic contributions to ARFID could lead to better screening, earlier intervention, and precision treatment strategies, ultimately enhancing outcomes for affected individuals.
Metabo-psychiatric
Eating Disorder
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS)
Research Domains Criteria (RDoC)
Exploring the Genetic Architecture of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): A Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) Using the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Framework to Investigate Metabolic and Psychiatric Underpinnings (a Hypothetical Research Proposal)