Same behaviours, different reasons: what do patients with co-occurring anorexia and autism want from treatment?

Abstract

Research suggests that up to one in four individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) may be on the autistic spectrum, and that these autistic traits may not have been recognized or diagnosed prior to eating disorder (ED) treatment. Significantly, these heightened autistic traits are associated with poorer treatment outcomes, suggesting that treatment may need to be adapted for this population. The purpose of this study was to explore with people with AN on the autistic spectrum their experiences of ED treatment, and their views on what needs to be changed. Women with AN (n= 13), either with an autism diagnosis or presenting with clinically significant levels of autistic traits, were interviewed on their experiences of treatment and potential improvements. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that this population experience unique needs associated with their autism that are not being met by standard ED treatments, and recommendations are made for potential future adaptations. Future research into a more systematic approach for treatment adaptations for this population, including education programmes for clinicians, could potentially lead to better treatment experiences.

Keywords:

• Qualitative
• autism
• anorexia
• treatment
• comorbidity

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants in this study for contributing their time and their experiences to this research.

Disclosure statement

This paper represents independent research. KT would like to acknowledge financial support from MRC and MRF Child and young adult Mental health—the underpinning aetiology of self-harm and eating disorders. EK received PhD funding for this project through the Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership (MRC DTP) scheme (MR/N013700/1).

Informed Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection.