Eating disorder cognitions: a comparison between Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Anorexia...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Eating Disorders Research

Background:

• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is often viewed distinctly from Anorexia Nervosa (AN).
• Investigating shared cognitive features between ARFID and AN is crucial for understanding eating pathology.
• The role of cognitions in driving AN-associated behaviors in ARFID requires further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if individuals with ARFID exhibit cognitive patterns similar to those seen in AN.
• To assess the contribution of these cognitions to problematic eating behaviors, particularly those aimed at weight control.
• To examine the overlap in core beliefs, assumptions, and automatic thoughts between ARFID and AN.

Main Methods:

• An observational study design was employed with 184 adult participants.
• Participants included individuals diagnosed with AN (n=68), ARFID (n=61), and a control group (n=55).
• Diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5 were used for screening, alongside anonymous online surveys assessing cognitions and weight/shape concerns.

Main Results:

• Individuals with ARFID reported significantly higher levels of disordered cognitions and weight/shape concerns compared to controls.
• ARFID participants showed lower levels of these cognitions relative to individuals with AN.
• Disordered assumptions and automatic thoughts significantly predicted behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain in the ARFID group.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest ARFID is not entirely distinct from AN, particularly regarding cognitive factors and weight/shape concerns.
• Clinicians should assess and treat unhelpful cognitions maintaining disordered eating in ARFID.
• The study challenges current diagnostic separations and informs treatment strategies for ARFID.