Investigating the Presence of Autistic Traits and Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in Anorexia Nervosa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The present meta-analysis aims to assess whether individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) demonstrate elevated autistic traits, to explore potential associations between autistic traits and eating disorder symptoms; as well as to estimate the prevalence of a positive screen for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessed via Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), in AN.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Web of Science in August 2023 and later updated in April 2024 to identify relevant studies. Twenty-two studies with 1172 AN patients and 2747 healthy controls (HCs) met the inclusion criteria.

Results

There was a significant difference between AN and HC groups in autistic traits (g = 0.88, CI = 0.65-1.12), and a s

SUBMITTER: Inal-Kaleli I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11784827 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature