A Biobehavioral Approach to Understand Problematic Avoidant/Restrictive Eating in Adults with Functional Dyspepsia

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a chronic gastrointestinal functional/motility disorder that affects up to 12% of US
adults with significant morbidity and healthcare costs and has limited treatment options. Detrimental eating-
related medical consequences are frequent in FD, with a level of food avoidance/restriction meeting criteria for
avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in up to 40% of adults with FD. However, the biological
mechanisms of problematic avoidant/restrictive eating in FD have been underexplored and could inform
behavioral and biological intervention targets. This 5-year K23-Patient-Oriented Research Career Development
award addresses this research gap by using an innovative, multi-disciplinary approach to examine: (1)
differences in gastric sensorimotor functions and satiety hormones among adults with FD and ARFID, FD
without ARFID, and healthy controls; and (2) pilot feasibility, preliminary efficacy, and preliminary mechanisms
of an exposure-based cognitive-behavioral treatment in patients with FD and ARFID. This project represents
the first exploration of the mechanistic role of problematic avoidant/restrictive eating in FD and the potential
benefit of an intervention that exposes patients with FD to increased food volume/variety. The training plan
corresponding to this project will support Dr. Helen Burton Murray in becoming an independent clinical scientist
with a program of research examining biopsychosocial target mechanisms of gastrointestinal functional/motility
disorders to inform behavioral and biological treatment interventions. The study aims complement Dr. Burton
Murray’s objectives for her advancement as an independent clinical and translational investigator, achieved
through four training areas: gastric sensorimotor functions, endocrine regulation of appetite, behavioral clinical
trials evaluation and treatment mechanisms, and career development. Training goals will be implemented
under the guidance of Dr. Braden Kuo (primary mentor); Drs. Elizabeth A. Lawson and Jennifer J. Thomas (co-
mentors); Drs. Brjánn Ljótsson and Brian Healy (consultants); and Drs. Lukas Van Oudenhove, Johnathan
Williams, and Laurie Keefer (scientific advisory committee).

Grant Number: 5K23DK131334-05
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Helen Burton Murray