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Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2024: Understanding ARFID with Laura Bourne

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Laura Bourne. Laura is a final year PhD student in the Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology at UCL. Laura is interested in selective eating behaviours and complex patterns of food refusal and in particular, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Laura is keen to spread awareness and increase understanding of ARFID, and through her research, hopes to contribute to the ARFID evidence-base to work towards effectively treating this disorder. 

Eating disorder awareness week is focusing on ARFID, and with that in mind, this week's episode focuses on:

  • Laura's research and interest in ARFID.
  • The diagnostic criteria, subtypes and consequences of ARFID.
  • The difference between ARFID and anorexia.
  • The difference between ARFID and fussy eating.
  • ARFID presentations in children, young people and adults.
  • The association of autism and ARFID.
  • The treatment available for ARFID and how to access support.

To find out more about Laura and her research, check out her UCL page here:  https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/68620-laura-bourne/publications.

Kindly note, that this episode delves into sensitive eating disorder topics. Remember to take care of yourself while listening, and always seek professional help if needed. This podcast is your bridge to insightful discussions, not a substitute for clinical guidance.

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