Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits on the treatment intensity and outcomes (psychopathology and weight) of 22 adolescent inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), who were selected on the basis of suspected ASD traits. ASD traits were measured at admission (T0) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Psychopathology was measured with Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and Self-Administered Psychiatric Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA) at admission and discharge (T0, T1). Percentage BMI was assessed at admission, discharge, first follow-up (T2, 7–22 days) and second follow-up (T3, 22–45 days). Results were controlled for age and EDI-3 global psychological maladjustment. When compared with other patients with AN, AN individuals with ADOS-2 and AQ diagnostic scores for ASD showed overlapping types of treatments, as well as psychopathological and weight outcomes. ASD total scores were not correlated with treatment intensity or treatment outcomes. Preliminary results show that ASD traits do not impact treatment intensity and outcomes in adolescents with AN and suspected ASD traits.
Highlights
Published: 16 August 2021Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder (ED) characterized by a significantly low body weight due to restricted food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a disturbance in self-perceived body image (American Psychiatric Association 2013) [1]
Regarding the intensity of received treatment, we found no significant difference between patients with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic scores, and with ASD total scores
As for treatment outcomes, we found no significant difference between patients with and without ASD diagnostic scores
Summary
Published: 16 August 2021Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder (ED) characterized by a significantly low body weight due to restricted food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a disturbance in self-perceived body image (American Psychiatric Association 2013) [1]. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by a behavioural triad of impairments: in social reciprocity, social communication, and flexibility of thought and behaviour [1]. These difficulties are thought to be dimensional, with autism representing the extreme of highly heritable traits that can be documented in different clinical populations [3]. ADOS is a semistructured, standardized assessment of social interaction, communication, play, and imaginative use of materials for individuals suspected to have ASD.
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