Transtorno do Espectro Autista e Anorexia Nervosa, uma relação fortuita?

Authors

  • Jaime Lin
  • Maiara de Aguiar da Costa
  • Leticia Burato Wessler Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense
  • Cinara Ludvig Gonçalves

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18616/inova.v15i3.7912

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous condition and one of the most common conditions to affect neurodevelopment. It is characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction, in addition to presenting restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests and sensory abnormalities. The study of ASD comorbidities aims to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and possible discoveries for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disorder and this integrative and non-systematic review sought to investigate a comorbidity of ASD that is still little studied, anorexia nervosa (AN). Evidence suggests a potential link between the two disorders. Research shows that boys with ASD are related to girls with AN, who shared some similar symptoms of ASD. Other studies observed that female patients had a higher frequency of autistic traits when compared to healthy controls. In addition, some pathophysiological traits of ASD, such as changes in the intestinal microbiota, immunological alterations and cognitive impairments, are common to AN. Since the two disorders have similarities and may be associated, the hypothesis of endophenotypes that can be induced by genetic determinants and environmental factors has arisen. Therefore, treatment for individuals with AN who exhibit behaviors typical of ASD and individuals with ASD who present with anorexic symptoms must be appropriately adapted.

Keywords: Autism; anorexia; diagnosis.

 

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Published

2025-02-18

Issue

Section

Saúde e Processos Psicossociais