New research published in nature Mental Health reveals intriguing connections between the brain structures of children with eating disorders and those with other neurodevelopmental conditions. The study,wich compared the brains of children with early-onset anorexia nervosa and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) to healthy controls,identified specific brain variations associated with these conditions.
For children with early-onset anorexia nervosa, the study noted a thinner cerebral cortex and increased cerebrospinal fluid. Underweight patients with ARFID exhibited a reduced surface area and overall brain volume. However, the researchers caution that because the study captured a single moment in time, it’s challenging to determine if these structural brain differences are a cause or a result of the disorders.
Interestingly, changes in cortical thickness among children with early-onset anorexia nervosa appeared to be more closely linked to their Body Mass Index (BMI), suggesting these neurological differences might be a result of restrictive eating behaviors.
To explore potential overlaps with other neurodevelopmental conditions, the researchers incorporated data from various external datasets. They discovered similarities in cortical thickness patterns between early-onset anorexia nervosa and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Furthermore, a link was found between ARFID and autism spectrum disorder.
Contrary to some previous research, the study found minimal overlap between anorexia nervosa and autism, and also between ARFID and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The researchers concluded that this “multiscale overlap – at the clinical, brain and genetic levels – suggests shared mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders that are independent of BMI.”
These findings underscore the importance of recognizing early-onset anorexia nervosa and ARFID as distinct disorders, while also highlighting their shared and differing characteristics with other mental health conditions. The research contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between eating behaviors and brain structures, which could inform the development of future treatments. Current approaches to these disorders include dietary and psychological interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
The complex interplay between the brain and behaviors,including eating habits,is an area the researchers are keen to continue exploring. Future studies may involve larger sample sizes and longitudinal tracking of brain changes to further elucidate these connections in eating disorders.
