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Background: Autistic people have worse mental health (MH) than non-autistic people. This proof-of-concept study explored feasibility of longitudinal research with autistic university students, focusing on their MH and coping styles across an academic year. Methods: Twenty-two students took part at all timepoints. They completed four rounds of online MH questionnaires. Results: Over 80% of students were retained. They started the year with high levels of all MH issues, which remained stable across the year. Network Change analysis showed the connections between MH and coping style changed over time. Conclusions: Autistic students are engaged participants who are likely to take part in longitudinal research. While MH levels were stable, it may be that coping styles are a useful target for intervention.

Previous research has demonstrated links between anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorder however, few studies have examined the possible impact of symptoms of autism spectrum disorder on clinical outcomes in anorexia nervosa. The aim of this study was to examine the association between symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and eating disorders, and other psychopathology during the course of inpatient treatment in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Participants with anorexia nervosa (n = 171) completed questionnaires exploring eating disorder psychopathology, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and everyday functioning at both admission and discharge. Characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorder were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Quotient, short version. Autism spectrum disorder symptoms were significantly positively correlated with eating disorder psychopathology, work and social functioning, and symptoms of depression and anxiety, but not with body mass index. Autism Spectrum Quotient, short version scores remained relatively stable from admission to discharge but there was a small, significant reduction in scores. There was no interaction between time and Autism Spectrum Quotient, short version scores on clinical symptom change. In anorexia nervosa, autism spectrum disorder symptoms appear to be associated with a more severe clinical presentation on admission to inpatient care. Autism spectrum disorder symptoms as assessed by self-report measures may be exacerbated by other mental health psychopathology, which warrants further investigation.

Interest in the link between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Anorexia Nervosa (AN) has led to estimates of the prevalence of autistic traits in AN. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the use of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) or abbreviated version (AQ-10) to examine whether patients with AN have elevated levels of autistic traits. Seven studies were identified and subsequent meta-analysis indicated that those with AN appear to have significant difficulties of a manner characteristic of ASD, relative to controls. Whilst this analysis supports previous indications of higher prevalence of ASD in AN, the aetiology of these traits remains unclear. Studies using more robust clinical measures of ASD within AN are needed to confirm what self-report measures appear to show., Author(s): Heather Westwood[sup.1] , Ivan Eisler[sup.2] [sup.3] , William Mandy[sup.4] , Jenni Leppanen[sup.1] , Janet Treasure[sup.1] , Kate Tchanturia[sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) Psychological Medicine, IoPPN, King's College London [...]

Background: Definitions of recovery from an eating disorder (ED) have generally been formulated around clinical conceptualisations, rather than based on the views of patients. This paper therefore asked those with lived experience of ED for their own definitions of recovery. Method: Data were collected as part of an online study looking at EDs, autism and relationships. About 173 participants identified as recovered from ED and gave free‐response definitions of recovery. Responses were subject to thematic analysis. Results: Seven major themes were identified: Weight restoration, lack of ED behaviours, thoughts and behaviours, cognitions, emotional responses, getting on with life, and ongoing challenges. Conclusions: Many definitions of recovery given by those who have lived experience of ED echoed those used by clinicians and researchers. There were also points of divergence around the ongoing challenges of recovery. Our findings highlight the need for continuing support post‐weight restoration to facilitate the successful long‐term recovery for those with ED. Key points: Definitions of recovery from ED have traditionally relied on clinical, rather than patient, priorities.Both autistic and non‐autistic people with a history of ED reported similar definitions of recovery, including weight restoration, lack of ED behaviours and cognitions, improved emotional responses around food and weight, the ability to get on with life, and the fact that they had ongoing challenges.The paper highlights that patients often think about recovery in ways which map on to clinical definitions, with some additional factors which could be utilised to support patients in this phase of illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]