Case study: anorexia nervosa and autistic disorder in an adolescent girl.
The development of anorexia nervosa in a high-functioning, early adolescent, autistic female is described. This case raises the issue of co-occurrence of childhood-onset disorders sharing the phenomena of obsessions and compulsions. The role of dysregulation of the serotonergic neurotransmitter system as a common underlying mechanism in these disorders is suggested. Psychoactive agents affecting the serotonin system and in particular the atypical neuroleptic risperidone may be of value in these disorders. There is added benefit to the combined use of biological and behavioral therapies.
Fisman
S
S
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospital of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Steele
M
M
Short
J
J
Byrne
T
T
Lavallee
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018967:Risperidone