Autism Spectrum Disorder in Anorexia Nervosa: An Updated Literature Review

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewThere is growing interest in the relationship between anorexia nervosa (AN) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review aimed to synthesise the most recent research on this topic to identify gaps in current knowledge, directions for future research and reflect on implications for treatment.Recent FindingsEight studies assessing the presence of ASD in AN were identified in the literature along with three studies examining the impact of symptoms of ASD on treatment outcome. Research with young people and using parental-report measures suggest lower rates of co-morbidity than previous adult studies.ConclusionsThe wide range of diagnostic tools, methodologies and populations studied make it difficult to determine the prevalence of ASD in AN. Despite this, studies consistently report over-representation of symptoms of ASD in AN. Co-morbid AN and ASD may require more intensive treatment or specifically tailored interventions. Future longitudinal research and female-specific diagnostic tools would help elucidate the relationship between these two disorders.

Effectiveness of emotional skills training for patients with anorexia nervosa with autistic symptoms in group and individual format

“…Interestingly, there were no interactions between time and ASD symptoms on clinical symptom change suggesting that although social anhedonia and alexithymia may be higher among AN patients with high levels of ASD symptoms, CREST may still be an effective intervention. This finding is of particular importance considering recent reports that presence of ASD symptoms has a negative impact on treatment response among those with AN (Tchanturia et al, ; Westwood & Tchanturia, ).…”

“…Interestingly, similar social–emotional difficulties are frequently reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which has an elevated prevalence among patients with AN (Huke, Turk, Saeidi, Kent, & Morgan, ; Westwood & Tchanturia, ). Despite increased prevalence of ASD symptoms in AN, the impact of these symptoms on treatment outcome is less clear.…”

Do autism spectrum disorder and anorexia nervosa have some eating disturbances in common?

“…Some evidence implies the presence of autistic traits before the onset of the eating disorder [24, 28, 29]. The autistic traits might also impact the treatment strategies chosen [30]. Alongside this, the eating behaviours frequently seen in ASD can be exacerbated by the starvation of the eating disorder and the social isolation, thus prolonging recovery.…”

An experimental investigation into the use of eye‐contact in social interactions in women in the acute and recovered stages of anorexia nervosa

“…The 5-item Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS; Mundt, Marks, Shear, & Greist, 2002) measures the ability to manage work, home management, personal/social leisure and social interactions on a 0-8 Likert scale. The AQ has been widely used to measure autism in people with AN (Westwood & Tchanturia, 2017) and was included to reduce any potential confounding from the presence of significant autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Cronbach's α is .95 (Mundt et al, 2002) and .94 in this study.…”