Challenges of anorexia nervosa approach in austistic spectrum disorder patients

Authors

  • Sara Cunha Department of Pedopsychiatry, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto
  • Isabel Taveira Gomes Department of Pedopsychiatry, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto
  • João Guerra Department of Pedopsychiatry, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v28.i3.15066

Keywords:

anorexia nervosa, autistic spectrum disorders, challenges approach

Abstract

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an important cause of physical and psychosocial morbidity, typically develops in adolescence, and has a relatively common comorbidity with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The clinical case of an adolescent with AN and ASD is presented, and its specific treatment challenges discussed.
Case Report: Female, 16 years old, with AN and a diagnosis of ASD since the age of two. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational techniques, and family involvement were used, with some adaptations.
Discussion/Conclusions: Challenges were found which hampered treatment, such as rigid thinking patterns and routines, including very rigid rules around food. In clinical practice, it is important to be alert to this comorbidity with poor outcomes and no specific guidelines.

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References

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Published

2019-10-14

How to Cite

1.
Cunha S, Taveira Gomes I, Guerra J. Challenges of anorexia nervosa approach in austistic spectrum disorder patients. BGMJ [Internet]. 2019 Oct. 14 [cited 2026 Aug. 19];28(3):141-4. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/bgmj/article/view/15066

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 3 (2019)

Section

Clinical Case Reports

License

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