Eating Disorders and Parkinson’s Disease - 1: Comorbidities, Neurobiology and Family History

Abstract Objective In response to a clinical observation of an Anorexia Nervosa (AN) patient with family history of Parkinson’s Disease (FHoPD), and evidence of similarities in dopamine function, personality, anxiety and weight loss symptoms between AN and PD, we completed a pilot study to estimate FHoPD in families of those with eating disorders (EDs). Method We ascertained FHoPD among ED patients and community participants, and estimated relative risks (RRs) for AN, Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Results We observed increased FHoPD among patients and community participants (N=482) meeting criteria for ED diagnoses compared to community participants (N=394) without an ED diagnosis. For AN, FHoPD prevalence was 6.6% vs 3.4%, χ 2 =4.638, p=.031, RR=1.935, 95%CI=1.012-3.768. For BN, FHoPD prevalence was 7.4% vs 3.4%, χ 2 =4.941, p=.026, RR=2.169, 95%CI=1.023-4.620. For BED, FHoPD prevalence was 13.3% vs 3.4%, χ 2 =6.953, p=.008, RR=3.886, 95%CI=1.108-11.524. Conclusions EDs are associated with an elevated FHoPD. Translational analyses leveraging disorder-specific research resources may benefit our understanding of the genetics and neuroscience of both disorders. Highlights AN and PD share premorbid anxiety, harm avoidance and dopaminergic dysfunction. FHoPD RRs are two-fold for AN and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and four-fold for Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in a sample of treatment seeking and community participants. ED and PD familiality, and advances in PD and ED genetics and neuroscience research provide opportunities for cross-disorder research.