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Interest in the link between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Anorexia Nervosa (AN) has led to estimates of the prevalence of autistic traits in AN. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the use of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) or abbreviated version (AQ-10) to examine whether patients with AN have elevated levels of autistic traits. Seven studies were identified and subsequent meta-analysis indicated that those with AN appear to have significant difficulties of a manner characteristic of ASD, relative to controls. Whilst this analysis supports previous indications of higher prevalence of ASD in AN, the aetiology of these traits remains unclear. Studies using more robust clinical measures of ASD within AN are needed to confirm what self-report measures appear to show.

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Highlights-Single dose of intranasal oxytocin has little to no effect on emotional theory of mind or emotion expression among healthy or clinical adult populations -Intranasal oxytocin improved recognition of basic emotions, particularly fear, but only among healthy populations -Intranasal oxytocin improves sensitivity to recognise anger, but only among healthy populations -Effect of oxytocin may be dependent on social boundaries 1 Abstract Accurate interpretation and appropriate expression of emotions are key aspects of social-cognition. Several mental disorders are characterised by transdiagnostic difficulties in these areas and, recently, there has been increasing interest in exploring the effects of oxytocin on social-emotional functioning. This review consists of 33 studies. Fifteen of the studies included people with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, frontotemporal dementia, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and opioid and alcohol dependence. We conducted ten meta-analyses examining the effects of intranasal oxytocin on expression of emotions, emotional theory of mind, sensitivity to recognise basic emotions, and recognition of basic emotions. A single dose of intranasal oxytocin significantly improved the recognition of basic emotions, particularly fear, and increased the expression of positive emotions among the healthy individuals. Oxytocin did not significantly influence theory of mind or the expression of negative emotions among the healthy individuals. Finally, intranasal oxytocin did not significantly influence interpretation or expression of emotions among the clinical populations.

Carer distress, burden and expressed emotion can be reduced by a variety of psychoeducational interventions and these changes are sustainable over time. The interventions themselves are easy to disseminate and deliver.

Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) for eating disorders has demonstrated promising findings in adult age groups, with randomised treatment trials and systematic reviews demonstrating medium to large effect sizes in improved cognitive performance. In recent years, several case series have been conducted for young people with anorexia nervosa, but these findings have not been synthesised in the form of a systematic review. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence for the efficacy of CRT in child and adolescent age groups. Nine studies were identified, with a subsequent meta-analysis suggesting improvements in cognitive performance with small effect sizes. Patient feedback was positive, with low dropout rates. These findings suggest that CRT has potential as a supplementary treatment for young people with anorexia nervosa, warranting further investigation using randomised treatment trials. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

Previous research has demonstrated links between anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorder however, few studies have examined the possible impact of symptoms of autism spectrum disorder on clinical outcomes in anorexia nervosa. The aim of this study was to examine the association between symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and eating disorders, and other psychopathology during the course of inpatient treatment in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Participants with anorexia nervosa (n = 171) completed questionnaires exploring eating disorder psychopathology, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and everyday functioning at both admission and discharge. Characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorder were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Quotient, short version. Autism spectrum disorder symptoms were significantly positively correlated with eating disorder psychopathology, work and social functioning, and symptoms of depression and anxiety, but not with body mass index. Autism Spectrum Quotient, short version scores remained relatively stable from admission to discharge but there was a small, significant reduction in scores. There was no interaction between time and Autism Spectrum Quotient, short version scores on clinical symptom change. In anorexia nervosa, autism spectrum disorder symptoms appear to be associated with a more severe clinical presentation on admission to inpatient care. Autism spectrum disorder symptoms as assessed by self-report measures may be exacerbated by other mental health psychopathology, which warrants further investigation.