Childhood onset neuropsychiatric disorders in adult eating disorder patients: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been suggested to be overrepresented in anorexia nervosa. This study aimed to explore the comorbidity of ASD and other childhood onset neuropsychiatric disorders (COND) [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) and tic disorders] in a group of severe eating disorder (ED) patients. Method: Thirty female ED patients from a specialist hospital clinic were examined on measures tapping into COND and personality disorders. Results: In our group of longstanding ED, 53 % had at least one COND diagnosis; 23 % had ASD, 17 % had AD/HD, and 27 % had a tic disorder. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that COND may be common in patients with severe ED and should be kept in mind when treating these patients. © Steinkopff Verlag 2005.