Health

Autism diagnosis can be obscured by an eating disorder


“When we looked at the behavioral features of autism, such as being picky about food and texture, refusing food, or particularly with the type or color of utensils used, we assumed these behaviors can eventually lead to eating disorders.” The researchers add that considering the specifics of specific behaviors, clinicians are primarily interested in diagnosing an eating disorder. condition may miss a co-occurring condition.

Professor Young said: “This can cause problems in terms of treatment. She and her team studied 74 autistic and 40 non-autistic young adults, ages 18 to 25, their eating behavior to better understand the relationship between autism and eating disorders. .


Research shows that autistic individuals report higher levels of problematic eating behavior than non-autistic individuals, and also discovered higher weight and shape concerns.

The researchers say the latter’s findings were somewhat unexpected, showing that autism is a disorder that is affecting an increasing number of people, especially those with anorexia nervosa.

The researchers also said that There is a need to develop better practical guidelines for the treatment of eating disorders in people with autism, as these guidelines do not currently exist, although more thorough research is still needed..

“We know that the presence of co-occurring autism and anorexia nervosa are associated with poorer mental health and poorer prognosis, which suggests that treatments for anorexia Current diets may need to be adjusted to be effective in the autistic population.” Young professor.

“Physicians should be aware that these conditions co-occur and consider both diagnoses before initiating treatment.”

Source: Eurekalert



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