Looking beneath the surface: Distinguishing between common features in autism and anorexia nervosa

Kinnaird, Emma; Tchanturia, Kate

doi:10.1016/j.jbct.2020.09.001

Cited by 25 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 92 publications

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“…There is increased research interest regarding the sensory systems and introspection of patients with EDs. Recent studies exploring ED and autism comorbidity have also created an interest in how ASC influences the sensory sensitivities in ED patients [ 4 – 6 ]. To our knowledge, research findings have not yet been translated into practical treatment tools [ 10 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, research demonstrates that people with EDs avoid new sensory experiences. Kinnaird and colleagues demonstrated that patients with EDs, with and without autism spectrum comorbidity, are hypersensitive to smells, touch and noise, and hypersensitivity in different domains could be addressed in their treatment [ 4 – 6 ]. Clinical audit data shows that almost 37% of people with AN treated in inpatient and day-care programmes have high Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) traits and are therefore likely to experience some sensory differences [ 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sensory wellbeing workshops for inpatient and day-care patients with anorexia nervosa

et al. 2021

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Summary Background The wellbeing of patients with eating disorders is one of the priorities in the “bigger picture” of treatment for eating disorders. Sensory soothing strategies for sensory sensitivities are supportive tools which could be useful in day-care and inpatient clinical programmes. Methods Evaluation of multiple separate sensory wellbeing workshops consisting of psychoeducation and experiential components delivered in inpatient and intensive day-care services was performed. Participants’ self-report questionnaires were evaluated pre- and post-workshop. Additionally, patients’ comments and qualitative feedback was collected after completion of the workshop. Results There was strong evidence that self-reported awareness of sensory wellbeing, awareness of strategies to enhance sensory wellbeing, and confidence in managing sensory wellbeing increased after the workshops with positive qualitative feedback from participants. The feedback questionnaires highlighted that patients found the sessions useful and were able to use some of the skills and strategies they learned in the workshop. Conclusion This pilot work on sensory wellbeing workshops with a protocol-based format was feasible and beneficial for the patient group. Preliminary evidence suggests that delivery of similar workshops could be sensible in addition to treatment as usual in inpatient and day-care programmes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sensory wellbeing workshops for inpatient and day-care patients with anorexia nervosa

et al. 2021

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“…Social difficulties are widespread and generalized among those with AN and ASD. 15 In individuals with AN and co-occurring ASD, social difficulties may underlie eating disorder behaviors and cause struggling both in treatment settings and in peer relationships. Group situations may be difficult for these individuals, and therefore, as the results of the previous study suggest, CREST in its individual form may be effective and enable flexible approaches for each individual’s specific difficulties.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…AN and ASD appear to share certain neurocognitive features, that is, difficulties in social cognition, cognitive inflexibility, weak central coherence, and atypical sensory processing. 15–19 Difficulties in social cognition include challenges in emotion recognition, poor theory of mind, low empathy, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. 8 , 18 , 20 , 21 Individuals with AN and ASD have been described having developed disturbed eating behavior as a response to social challenges.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cognitive Behavioral and Cognitive Remediation Strategies for Managing Co-Occurring Anorexia Nervosa and Elevated Autism Spectrum Traits

Saure¹,

Ålgars²,

Laasonen³

et al. 2022

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Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a potentially severe eating disorder whose core characteristics include energy intake restriction leading to low body weight. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication as well as repetitive, stereotyped behavior and interests. Both high ASD traits and diagnosed ASD are overrepresented among individuals with AN, and AN and ASD appear to share certain neurocognitive features. These features are associated with the severity of eating disorder symptoms and prolongation of AN. Thus, individuals with AN and high ASD traits or ASD may benefit less from traditional treatment when compared to those with low ASD traits. No previous reviews have summarized what is known about treatment adaptations for individuals with AN and high ASD traits or ASD. The purpose of this narrative review was to investigate the feasibility of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT), cognitive remediation and emotional skill training (CREST), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and give an overview of treatment modifications for individuals with AN and co-occurring ASD or high ASD traits. We found nine studies that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The combined results suggest that individuals with AN and high ASD traits or ASD benefit less from CRT, CREST, and CBT than those with AN and low ASD traits. However, CRT and CREST administered in individual format may be associated with improved cognitive flexibility, motivation for change, and decreased alexithymia among adults with AN and high ASD traits or ASD. Individuals with comorbid AN and ASD themselves highlight the importance of treatment adaptations that take the characteristics of ASD into account. In the future, controlled studies of the treatment strategies for individuals with AN and ASD/high ASD traits are needed in order to improve the outcome of individuals with this challenging comorbidity.

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“…How to cite this article: Kerr-Gaffney, J., Halls, D., Leppanen, J., & Tchanturia, K. (2021). Exploring neuropsychological and socio-emotional task performance in anorexia nervosa: A cluster analytic approach.…”

Section: Data Availability Statementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring neuropsychological and socio‐emotional task performance in anorexia nervosa: A cluster analytic approach

Kerr-Gaffney

Halls

Leppänen

et al. 2021

Euro Eating Disorders Rev

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The aim of this study was to characterise heterogeneity in neuropsychological and socio-emotional task performance in young women with anorexia nervosa (AN) using hierarchical cluster analysis. Further, we aimed to test whether cognitive profiles were associated with differences in clinical variables (body mass index, illness duration and age at diagnosis), psychopathology (eating disorder, autistic symptoms, anxiety and depression) and functional impairment. Method:Set-shifting, central coherence and theory of mind abilities were measured in 118 women with acute or remitted AN. A hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward's method with a Euclidean distance measure was performed with the neuropsychological and socio-emotional variables.Differences between clusters were assessed using ANOVAs.Results: Four clusters emerged, with significant differences in neuropsychological and socio-emotional task performance. There were no significant differences between clusters in clinical variables, psychopathology or functional impairment, however, these analyses lacked power due to small cluster sizes. Conclusions:Our results demonstrate significant heterogeneity in cognitive profiles in AN, supporting a more personalised approach to treatment. Studies in larger samples are required to establish whether these variables map onto clinically significant differences in aetiology, clinical presentation, comorbidity patterns and/or treatment responses.

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Looking beneath the surface: Distinguishing between common features in autism and anorexia nervosa

Cited by 25 publications

References 92 publications

Sensory wellbeing workshops for inpatient and day-care patients with anorexia nervosa

Sensory wellbeing workshops for inpatient and day-care patients with anorexia nervosa

Cognitive Behavioral and Cognitive Remediation Strategies for Managing Co-Occurring Anorexia Nervosa and Elevated Autism Spectrum Traits

Exploring neuropsychological and socio‐emotional task performance in anorexia nervosa: A cluster analytic approach

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