Anorexic Girls Show Autistic Characteristics

Anorexic girls display traits of autism, a latest study by Cambridge University's Autism Research Center reveals.

The study of over 66 anorexic girls, aged between 12 and 18, found that they exhibit autistic characteristics. "Traditionally, anorexia has been viewed purely as an eating disorder. This is quite reasonable, since the girls' dangerously low weight and their risk of malnutrition or even death has to be the highest priority," autism expert Simon Baron-Cohen told Reuters. "But this new research is suggesting that underlying the surface behavior, the mind of a person with anorexia may share a lot with the mind of a person with autism."

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that mainly affects young women. The exact cause is unknown. However, experts said that it is mostly due to biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Anorexia can cause bone loss, heart problems, anemia and death, reported Reuters.

Baron-Cohen said in both disorder a strong/rigid association with systems is noticed.  "In girls with anorexia, they have latched onto a system that concerns body weight, shape, and food intake," he said.

For the study, the researchers studied the scores of 66 anorexic girls on Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). The scores were compared to those of 1,600 teenagers of the same age group without any medical conditions. They found that anorexic girls scored five times more than normal girls in AQ. These girls also showed reduced Empathy Quotient, a characteristic commonly found in autistic children.

"Shifting their interest away from body weight and dieting on to a different but equally systematic topic may be helpful," he said. "(And) recognizing that some patients with anorexia may also need help with social skills and communication, and with adapting to change, also gives us a new treatment angle," Co-author Tony Jaffa said.