Calugi, S., Dalle Grave, A., Chimini, M., Cattaneo, G., Conti, M., & Dalle Grave, R. (2026).
ABSTRACT
Objective: This study examined the role of autistic traits in patients with anorexia nervosa receiving an intensive, focused form of enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT- E). The aim was to assess changes in these traits during treatment and their predictive value for outcomes.
Method: In this prospective cohort study, 81 patients aged 16–65 years were admitted for intensive CBT- E. Body mass index (BMI), eating disorder psychopathology, general psychopathology, and functional impairment were assessed at baseline, end of intensive treatment (EOIT), and 20- week follow- up. Autistic traits were evaluated using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) at baseline and EOIT.
Results: Sixty- nine patients (85.2%) completed treatment, and 59 among completers (85.5%) attended follow- up. AQ scores decreased significantly from baseline to EOIT, although the magnitude of the change was small. The AQ global score did not predict dropout. In both intention- to- treat and completers’ analyses, the AQ global score measured at baseline and at EOIT did not predict eating disorder psychopathology and BMI at EOIT and at follow- up, respectively.
Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study, AQ scores decreased significantly over the course of intensive CBT- E, and autistic traits did not predict treatment outcomes. These findings suggest that intensive CBT- E produces significant improvements across the main clinical outcomes of anorexia nervosa without requiring systematic adaptations for autistic traits.
Calugi, S., Dalle Grave, A., Chimini, M., Cattaneo, G., Conti, M., & Dalle Grave, R. (2026). Autistic Traits in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa Treated With Intensive Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT‐E): A Prospective Cohort Study. International Journal of Eating Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.70203 Full Text