Eating Disorders and Parkinson's Disease - 1: Comorbidities, Neurobiology and Family History

ObjectiveIn response to a clinical observation of an Anorexia Nervosa (AN) patient with family history of Parkinsons Disease (FHoPD), and evidence of similarities in dopamine function, personality, anxiety and weight loss symptoms between AN and PD, we completed a pilot study to estimate FHoPD in families of those with eating disorders (EDs). MethodWe ascertained FHoPD among ED patients and community participants, and estimated relative risks (RRs) for AN, Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). ResultsWe observed increased FHoPD among patients and community participants (N=482) meeting criteria for ED diagnoses compared to community participants (N=394) without an ED diagnosis. For AN, FHoPD prevalence was 6.6% vs 3.4%, {chi}2=4.638, p=.031, RR=1.935, 95%CI=1.012-3.768. For BN, FHoPD prevalence was 7.4% vs 3.4%, {chi}2=4.941, p=.026, RR=2.169, 95%CI=1.023-4.620. For BED, FHoPD prevalence was 13.3% vs 3.4%, {chi}2=6.953, p=.008, RR=3.886, 95%CI=1.108-11.524. ConclusionsEDs are associated with an elevated FHoPD. Translational analyses leveraging disorder-specific research resources may benefit our understanding of the genetics and neuroscience of both disorders. HighlightsO_LIAN and PD share premorbid anxiety, harm avoidance and dopaminergic dysfunction. C_LIO_LIFHoPD RRs are two-fold for AN and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and four-fold for Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in a sample of treatment seeking and community participants. C_LIO_LIED and PD familiality, and advances in PD and ED genetics and neuroscience research provide opportunities for cross-disorder research. C_LI