Stratifying Eating Disorders with Clustering: From Diagnosis to Phenotypic Diversity
Zanola, A.; Tshimanga, L. F.; Meregalli, V.; Favaro, A.; Atzori, M.; Collantoni, E.
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Psychiatric disorders, including eating disorders (EDs), are characterized by heterogeneity that limits diagnostic accuracy and treatment personalization. Precision psychiatry calls for tools to identify data-driven phenotypes beyond traditional categories. In a large cohort (N=809), we applied an unsupervised clustering pipeline to self-report and clinical variables to uncover ED subgroups. Repeated Spectral Clustering revealed four phenotypes: two aligned with DSM-5 diagnoses (anorexia nervosa restricting-type; bulimia nervosa), and two diagnostically mixed clusters, one characterized by higher psychopathology and trauma exposure, the other by prolonged illness duration. These clusters showed distinct profiles and outcomes. The higher predictability of data-driven clusters compared to DSM-5 categories suggests that unsupervised stratification may offer a complementary perspective on relevant heterogeneity. Our findings highlight how computational phenotyping can advance precision psychiatry by revealing meaningful patterns, informing prognosis, and guiding personalized interventions. This approach may help bridge the gap between clinical presentations and the need for stratified, patient-centered care.
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