Eating Disorders and Parkinson's Disease - 1: Comorbidities, Neurobiology and Family History

In response to a clinical observation of an Anorexia Nervosa (AN) patient with family history of Parkinson's Disease (FHoPD), and evidence of similarities in dopamine function, personality, anxiety and weight loss symptoms between AN and PD, we completed a pilot study to estimate FHoPD in families of those with eating disorders (EDs).

We ascertained FHoPD among ED patients and community participants, and estimated relative risks (RRs) for AN, Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

We observed increased FHoPD among patients and community participants (N=482) meeting criteria for ED diagnoses compared to community participants (N=394) without an ED diagnosis. For AN, FHoPD prevalence was 6.6% vs 3.4%, χ²=4.638, p=.031, RR=1.935, 95%CI=1.012-3.768. For BN, FHoPD prevalence was 7.4% vs 3.4%, χ²=4.941, p=.026, RR=2.169, 95%CI=1.023-4.620. For BED, FHoPD prevalence was 13.3% vs 3.4%, χ²=6.953, p=.008, RR=3.886, 95%CI=1.108-11.524.

EDs are associated with an elevated FHoPD. Translational analyses leveraging disorder-specific research resources may benefit our understanding of the genetics and neuroscience of both disorders.