Research has unveiled significant structural changes in the brains of children diagnosed with restrictive eating disorders. A study analyzing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans reveals that early-onset restrictive eating disorders (rEO-ED) can lead to notable differences in brain morphology. This new insight could enhance understanding of these conditions and their relationship with other neurodevelopmental disorders.
An international team of researchers examined MRI scans from 174 children under the age of 13 who have been diagnosed with rEO-ED. Their findings were compared with scans from 116 children without any eating disorder diagnosis. The primary goal was to identify differences between various types of eating disorders and explore potential connections with brain structures linked to conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
The researchers noted that rEO-ED encompasses a range of conditions, including early-onset anorexia nervosa and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorders (ARFID). In their published paper, they stated, “The impact of rEO-ED on brain morphometry remains largely unknown.” Their findings indicate specific brain structure variations, such as a thinner cortex and increased cerebrospinal fluid in children with early-onset anorexia nervosa, while those with ARFID displayed reduced surface area and overall brain volume.
Given that this study provides only a snapshot in time, the researchers caution against concluding whether these structural variations are causes or consequences of the disorders. Notably, among children diagnosed with early-onset anorexia nervosa, changes in cortical thickness showed a correlation with body mass index (BMI). This suggests that neurological differences may stem from restrictive eating behaviors.
To investigate overlaps between restrictive eating disorders and other neurodevelopmental conditions, the research team utilized external datasets. They discovered similarities in cortical thickness patterns between children with early-onset anorexia nervosa and those with OCD, as well as between ARFID and autism. Contrary to previous studies, minimal overlap was found between anorexia nervosa and autism, or between ARFID and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The research highlights that the interplay between clinical signs, brain structures, and genetic factors indicates shared mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders that are independent of BMI. The findings suggest that early-onset anorexia nervosa and ARFID should be treated as distinct disorders, while also acknowledging their similarities and differences with other mental health conditions.
Understanding the relationship between brain structures and eating behaviors is crucial for developing effective treatments for these disorders. Current treatment strategies often include a combination of dietary changes and psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
The study’s authors emphasize the complexity of the relationship between brain function and eating habits, expressing a desire to continue investigating this area. Future research may focus on larger sample sizes and tracking brain changes over time to gain deeper insights into these conditions. The study was published in Nature Mental Health, underlining its significance in the field of child psychology and psychiatry.
