A recent study has uncovered significant structural changes in the brains of children diagnosed with restrictive eating disorders. Researchers analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 174 children under the age of 13 with early-onset restrictive eating disorders (rEO-ED) and compared their results with those of 116 children without such diagnoses. This study aims to enhance understanding of these disorders and their potential connections with other neurodevelopmental conditions.
The investigation focused on various types of early-onset restrictive eating disorders, which include anorexia nervosa and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorders (ARFID). As detailed in their published findings, the researchers noted that the impact of rEO-ED on brain morphology had not been thoroughly explored until now.
In their analysis, the researchers identified distinct differences in brain structures between the two groups. Children with early-onset anorexia nervosa exhibited a thinner cortex and increased cerebrospinal fluid, while underweight patients with ARFID displayed a reduced surface area and overall brain volume. These findings raise important questions about whether these structural variations are causes or consequences of the disorders.
Among those with early-onset anorexia nervosa, variations in cortical thickness appeared to correlate with body mass index (BMI). This suggests that the observed neurological differences may arise from restrictive eating patterns.
To further investigate potential overlaps between restrictive eating disorders and other neurodevelopmental conditions, the research team utilized data from various external datasets. They discovered similarities in cortical thickness patterns between children with early-onset anorexia nervosa and those with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as between ARFID and autism. Interestingly, contrary to previous studies, there was minimal overlap between anorexia nervosa and autism, and between ARFID and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The researchers stated, “Overall, this multiscale overlap – at the clinical, brain, and genetic levels – suggests shared mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders that are independent of BMI.” This underscores the need to treat early-onset anorexia nervosa and ARFID as distinct conditions while recognizing their similarities and differences with other mental health disorders.
The insights gained from this research may inform the development of more effective treatments for these eating disorders. Currently, treatment approaches range from dietary interventions to psychological therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Understanding the complex relationship between the brain and eating behaviors remains a critical area of study. The researchers plan to continue their work, focusing on larger sample sizes and tracking brain changes over time.
These findings were published in Nature Mental Health on March 15, 2024, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of eating disorder research and its implications for treatment strategies.
