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Do girls with anorexia nervosa have elevated autistic traits?
Simon Baron-Cohen1, Tony Jaffa, Sarah Davies
1Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge University, 18B Trumpington Rd, Cambridge CB2 8AH, UK. sb205@cam.ac.uk.
Molecular Autism
|August 7, 2013
Summary
Females with anorexia nervosa (anorexia) show higher autistic traits, including systemizing abilities, and lower empathy. These findings suggest autistic traits may be relevant in anorexia assessment and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Eating disorders
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (anorexia) is a complex eating disorder.
- Elevated autistic traits have been anecdotally observed in individuals with anorexia.
- The relationship between anorexia and autistic traits requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate autistic traits in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa.
- To compare scores on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Empathy Quotient (EQ), and Systemizing Quotient (SQ) between patients with and without anorexia.
- To explore cognitive profiles related to empathy and systemizing in anorexia.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study comparing two groups of female adolescents aged 12-18 years.
- Group 1: Adolescents with anorexia nervosa (n=66).
- Group 2: Adolescents without anorexia nervosa (n=1,609).
- Utilized parent-report and self-report versions of the AQ, EQ, and SQ based on age.
Main Results:
- Patients with anorexia exhibited significantly higher scores on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Systemizing Quotient (SQ).
- A reduction in Empathy Quotient (EQ) scores was observed in the anorexia group, particularly in younger participants using parent reports.
- Individuals with anorexia were more likely to display a Type S profile (systemizing > empathy) compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent females with anorexia nervosa demonstrate elevated autistic traits.
- The findings suggest that autistic traits may play a role in the presentation of anorexia.
- Clinical consideration of autistic traits in the assessment and treatment of anorexia is recommended, with further research needed to differentiate traits from states.
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