Prevalence of Autism in Anorexia Nervosa Inpatients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prevalence of Autism in Adolescent Females with Anorexia Nervosa admitted to an Inpatient Eating Disorders Service
IRAS ID
307398
Contact name
Tony Winston
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Schoen Clinic Newbridge
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Question: How common is autism in female patients aged 11-18 who admitted to an inpatient eating disorder unit for treatment of anorexia nervosa?
Background: Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by restriction of energy intake, an intense fear of weight gain and body image disturbance. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a deficit in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive behaviours. Previous research has indicated that there is an increased rate of autism in anorexia nervosa patients, when compared with the general population. However, we do not know how common it is in those patients who are admitted to hospital.
A clinical audit of data in an inpatient eating disorders unit found that individuals with autism had an increased length of stay. Other studies have found that it is often difficult for people with autism to access treatment for anorexia nervosa and treatment may not meet their specific needs. Research has found that girls are more able to mask their symptoms and are therefore less likely to receive a diagnose of autism. As 90% of those with anorexia nervosa are female, it is important to find out how many of those patients who are admitted to hospital with anorexia nervosa have evidence of autism.
A diagnosis of autism requires both direct observation of the patient and a developmental history, in order to show that symptoms were present from early childhood. However, anorexia nervosa itself can lead to symptoms suggestive of autism and this makes observational assessment unreliable. The developmental history, which obtains information about the patient before the onset of anorexia nervosa, is not subject to this source of error. The Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview – short version (3Di-sv) is a validated, computerised interview which obtains a developmental history in a systematic way.
Design: Participants will be approached to complete the 3Di-sv with an assistant psychologist who is a member of the research team. The output from the 3Di-sv will indicate whether a diagnosis of autism is likely but a diagnosis cannot be made on this measure alone.Measures: The Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview short version (3Di-sv) The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/WM/0054
Date of REC Opinion
11 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion