Eating disturbances in subjects with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disabilities. (13th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bertino, V.; Demartini, B.; Nisticò, V.; Tedesco, R.; Faggioli, R.; Gambini, O.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 64:Supplement 1(2021)
• Page Start: S112
• Page End: S112
• Publication Date: 2021-04-13
• Subjects: Autistic Spectrum Disorder -- eating disorders -- autistic eating disturbances; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.321
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: There is a growing interest in the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Eating Disorders (ED), two relatively common conditions lying on a spectrum from mild to severe clinical features. However, only limited data are available about pathological eating behaviours throughout adults on the autistic spectrum. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to assess dysfunctional eating behaviours, including ED manifestations and ASD-related eating disturbances, in a population of adults with ASD with no intellectual disabilities. Methods: We recruited 115 adults on the autistic spectrum, with no intellectual disability and 114 neurotypical adults (NA). Participants completed the "Eating Attitude Test" (EAT-26), to measure symptoms and concerns characteristic of ED, and the "Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders" (SWEAA), to assess eating behaviours frequently seen within the autistic spectrum. Results: Subjects with ASD scored significantly higher than NA at the EAT-26 and at the SWEAA. Women reported higher scores than men. Moreover, an interaction effect Group*Gender emerged at the EAT-26 only, with women with ASD scoring higher than men with and than NA overall. ASD subjects scored higher than NA at the EAT-26 subscales Dieting and Bulimia. Furthermore, the higher the SWEAA total score was, the more likely it was that a subject on the autistic spectrum would score above the cut-off of 20 at the EAT-26. Conclusions: These results indicate that adults with ASD without intellectual disability presented not only a higher prevalence of eating disturbances typical of autistic spectrum, but also other ED symptoms in comparison to NA. Disclosure: No significant relationships.