Abstract
BackgroundPotential overlaps exist between psychopathological features of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The impact of malnutrition on autistic traits in patients with AN should be considered. This study investigates possible associations among the psychopathology of Eating Disorders (EDs), ASD traits and BMI in a group of young patients with AN, using the EDI-3 (Eating Disorder Inventory-3) test and gold-standard measures for ASD.MethodsProspective study involving 23 inpatients admitted to an Italian Centre for paediatric ED. ASD traits and ED psychopathology were assessed administering the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2), AQ (Autism Quotient) and EDI-3 tests. Both present and past autistic traits were investigated using different versions of AQ. Correlations were adjusted for BMI, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) comorbidity and concurrent antipsychotic treatments.ResultsAn ASD diagnosis was possible in 22% of patients. Significant correlations were documented between ASD traits and ED psychopathology: AQ total-Interpersonal problems (IPC) (p = 0.041); AQ total-Global psychological maladjustment (GMPC) (p = 0.027); AQ social skills-Ineffectiveness (IC) (p = 0.018); AQ social skills-IPC (p = 0.019); AQ social skills-Affective problems (APC) (p = 0.025); AQ social skills-GMPC (p = 0.007); AQ attention switching-IPC (p = 0.020); ADOS-2 imagination-IC (p = 0.035). These correlations were independent of BMI, OCD and antipsychotic treatments.ConclusionsASD traits presented high prevalence in a group of young inpatients with AN. These traits were significantly correlated to 4 specific EDI-3 subscales and independent of BMI. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between ASD traits as measured with gold-standard measures, EDI-3 scores, and BMI.
Highlights
Eating Disorders (EDs) are pathologic conditions characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eatingrelated behaviour, resulting in altered consumption of food and significantly altered psychosocial functioning [1]
In young patients with Anorexia Nervosa, scores on specific Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) subscales assessing Eating Disorders psychopathology correlated with specific autistic traits, as measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Edition (ADOS-2) and Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)
The relationship between Eating Disorders psychopathology and autistic traits was independent of Body Mass Index (BMI), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) comorbidity and antipsychotic treatments
Summary
Introduction and aims Eating Disorders (EDs) are pathologic conditions characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eatingrelated behaviour, resulting in altered consumption of food and significantly altered psychosocial functioning [1]. AN has one of the highest prevalence among EDs: 1.4% for women and 0.2% for men [5]. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or autistic traits are frequently documented in patients with AN [10]. Potential overlaps exist between psychopathological features of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study investigates possible associations among the psychopathology of Eating Disorders (EDs), ASD traits and BMI in a group of young patients with AN, using the EDI-3 (Eating Disorder Inventory-3) test and gold-standard measures for ASD
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