Évaluation clinique des symptômes autistiques chez les femmes avec anorexie mentale

Aperçu: G.M.

Les symptômes de TSA sont surreprésentés chez les femmes atteintes d'une AN sévère et semblent être associés à d'autres symptômes psychiatriques, ce qui justifie d'autres investigations.

Mol Autism. 2017 Mar 16;8:12. doi: 10.1186/s13229-017-0128-x. eCollection 2017.

Clinical evaluation of autistic symptoms in women with anorexia nervosa

Westwood H¹, Mandy W², Tchanturia K³.

Author information

1

0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cPsychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.

2

0000000121901201grid.83440.3bResearch Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 103 Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF UK.

3

0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cPsychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK ; 0000 0000 9489 2441grid.428923.6Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia ; 0000 0000 9439 0839grid.37640.36Psychological Medicine Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust National Eating Disorders Service, London, UK.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Despite a suggested link between anorexia nervosa (AN) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), previous studies have used self-report or diagnostic criteria to assess for ASD in AN populations, rather than direct observation of symptom characteristic of ASD. The aim of this study was to use a standardised, clinical assessment of ASD, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2), to investigate the presence of autistic symptoms in a cross-sectional sample of women with AN.

METHODS:

Sixty women were recruited from inpatient or day-patient specialist eating disorder services. Each participant underwent the ADOS-2 assessment and completed a set of self-report questionnaires assessing eating disorder pathology and other psychiatric symptoms. IQ was also assessed.

RESULTS:

Fourteen women (23.3%) scored above clinical cutoff for ASD on the ADOS-2. Only eight of these women displayed repetitive or restrictive behaviours, while all 14 had difficulties with social affect. Elevated ASD symptoms were associated with increased alexithymia and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, but not specific eating disorder pathology.

CONCLUSIONS:

ASD symptoms are over-represented in women with severe AN and appear to be associated with other psychiatric symptoms, which warrant further investigation and consideration in treatment.

PMID 28331571

PMCID: PMC5356303

DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0128-x