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Published on: October 22, 2015
An Invited Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Atypical Anorexia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa
Veronica Lee1, Kelsey E Hagan2, B Timothy Walsh1
1Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Individuals with atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) show significant psychological distress and physiological issues similar to AN, but less frequently. Further research is needed for specific diagnostic criteria and understanding illness course.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) shares similarities with AN, necessitating updated reviews of its characteristics.
- Previous systematic reviews have highlighted differences and similarities between atypical AN and AN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update and expand a prior systematic review and meta-analysis on atypical AN.
- To incorporate newly available data on the psychological and physical characteristics of atypical AN.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, including new studies post-July 2022.
- Meta-analyses conducted for outcomes reported in at least three studies.
- Inclusion of studies comparing clinical characteristics of atypical AN with AN and/or healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Sixty-four publications were included, indicating demographic differences between atypical AN and AN.
- Individuals with atypical AN exhibit greater eating disorder-related psychopathology.
- Physiological complications like menstrual disturbance and decreased bone density are present in atypical AN but less frequent than in AN.
Conclusions:
- Atypical AN involves substantial psychological distress comparable to AN.
- Physiological disturbances in atypical AN are similar but less frequent than in AN.
- Findings support the clinical and research similarities between atypical AN and AN, highlighting the need for specific diagnostic criteria and longitudinal studies.
