Understanding the Association Between Autistic Traits, Anorexia Nervosa Symptomatology and Weight Recovery in Female Adolescents: A Longitudinal Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Anorexia nervosa (AN) and autism are distinct conditions, yet individuals with AN often exhibit elevated autistic traits. These traits are linked to complex clinical presentations, but their impact on AN remains unclear. This longitudinal study investigates associations between autistic traits, AN symptoms, and weight recovery in adolescents with first-onset AN. METHODS: The study compared 66 females with first-onset AN and 64 typically developing (TD) controls. Autistic traits, AN symptoms, and weight recovery were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Eating Disorder Examination (EDE),and standardized deviation score for weight-for-height (SDS weight-for-height). Measurements at baseline and 1 year later were analyzed using linear regression models. RESULTS: Adolescents with AN exhibited higher baseline autistic traits than TD controls. Over 1 year, AN symptoms and SDS weight-for-height improved significantly in the AN group, while autistic traits remained stable. No significant associations were found between baseline autistic traits and clinical outcomes or between changes in autistic traits, AN symptoms, and SDS weight-for-height. DISCUSSION: The stability of autistic traits despite improvements in AN symptoms and weight suggests these traits may not influence the initial trajectory of first-onset AN in adolescence. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore their long-term impact on AN progression.