Desafios na abordagem da anorexia nervosa em pacientes com perturbação do espetro do autismo

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.