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Correlations between alexithymia, emotional instability, autism spectrum disorder and eating disorders: analysis of a case

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2022

M. Valtueña García*
Affiliation:
Hospital Vital Álvarez-Buylla , Psiquiatria, Asturias, Spain
E. Peña Herrero
Affiliation:
Hospital de Cabueñes, Psiquiatría, Asturias, Spain
M. Picado Rossi
Affiliation:
Hospital de Cabueñes, Psicología, Asturias, Spain
C. Pedrosa Duque
Affiliation:
Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Psicología, Asturias, Spain
P. Valladares Rodriguez
Affiliation:
Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Unidad De Trastornos De La Conducta Alimentaria Huca, Asturias, Spain
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Eating disorders and borderline personality disorder can coexist with high frequency in people with alexithymia. At the same time, it has been described that alexithymia can be present in patients suffering from depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, PTSD and eating disorders, among others. In this sense, it has been described that alexithymia could help maintain eating disorder.

Objectives

To review the existing literature on the relationship between alexithymia, emotional instability and a family history of autism spectrum traits with the development of eating disorders. To expose, through the clinical case of a patient with eating disorders, the diagnostic complexity and evolution after the beginning of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary therapeutic plan with different mental health devices.

Methods

To review the personal and family psychopathological aspects and the clinical evolution of a patient with a diagnosis of restrictive subtype anorexia nervosa since its inclusion in a therapeutic program.

Results

This is a longitudinal study through personal biographical reconstruction and family history and subsequent follow-up of a clinical case based on the implementation of an individualized therapeutic program and the results obtained.

Conclusions

Currently there is evidence in the literature that finds a high correlation between alexithymia and eating disorders. However, these findings are believed to be influenced by other comorbid symptoms such as depression or anxiety. Furthermore, the diagnosis of ASD in people with AN is a complex process that requires a thorough clinical evaluation over time. Detailed studies are needed to determine the importance of these factors in the development of an eating disorder.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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