The impact of psychiatric comorbidities in the diagnosis and treatment of feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) represents an emerging research topic. The current literature, nonetheless, lacks studies investigating the developmental paths of individuals with FEDs and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Here, we report 11 cases of children and adolescents with comorbid FEDs and NDDs, as assessed along the neuropsychological, psychopathological, and nutritional developmental pathways. The onset of FED-related psychopathology was preceded, sometimes undiagnosed, by altered neurodevelopmental features leading to specific NDD diagnoses (autism spectrum disorder—ASD; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—ADHD; specific learning disorder—SLD). NDDs appeared to influence the diagnoses and treatments of FEDs, frequently with an impact on socio-relational and emotional premorbid features, and on the possibility to receive and attend FED-targeted treatments. Further studies should longitudinally contribute to assessing the experiences of care and neurodevelopmental pathways of children with FEDs and specific NDD comorbidities.

Purpose: This study aimed to comprehensively report the epidemiological and clinical features of atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) in children and adolescents. Methods: In May 2024, a systematic review was performed using Medline, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and relevant websites. Following PRISMA guidelines, 234 articles were screened for studies on DSM-5-defined AAN. A standardized checklist—the JBI critical appraisal tool—was adopted in assessing methodology, and 13 retained studies passed the screening and critical appraisal process for the final review. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was utilized to assess the risk of bias in cohort and case–control studies, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of methodological quality. Results: AAN prevalence in young age groups is 2.8%, with a cumulative 2.8% incidence over 8 years. Incidence is 366 per 100,000 person-years, and the average episode duration is 11.6 months, with a 71% remission rate. Diagnostic persistence for AAN is less stable than other restrictive feeding and eating disorders (FEDs). AAN individuals exhibit higher EDE-Q scores, more severe distress, and distinct BMI differences compared to those with anorexia nervosa and controls. The diagnostic transition from the DSM-IV to the DSM-5 shows that AAN patients are predominantly female, slightly older, and with higher weight. Conclusions: This study yields concrete insights into the features of AAN in the developmental age, highlighting demographic variations, clinical presentations, and treatment outcomes. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by AAN individuals is vital for tailoring effective interventions and improving overall care within the FED spectrum.

Aim: We describe the association of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and feeding and eating disorders (FED) in five patients admitted to our third level centre for both FED and NF1.Methods: Case series of five adolescent females with NF1 treated for FED.Results: We collected data from five patients with NF1 aged between 14 and 22 years, all females. The onset of eating disorder symptoms occurred between 13 and 19 years of age and was characterised by food intake restriction, associated with physical hyperactivity in three out of five cases. One patient also reported self‐injurious acts and episodic binges. Patients received diagnoses of anorexia nervosa (AN, n = 2), atypical AN (n = 1), bulimia nervosa (n = 1), unspecified feeding and eating disorder (n = 1).Conclusion: The current literature reports a single case of an adult with NF1 and comorbid AN, focusing on the dermatological features of NF1. Our article describes a case series of five patients in developmental age affected by NF1 and FED. Clinical and psychological features of NF1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of FED when these two conditions co‐occur. The dermatological alterations of NF1 may contribute to body image distortion that characterises AN. Further research is required to systematically screen populations of patients with NF1 for the presence of FED.

Background: Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (AAN) is a Feeding and Eating Disorder characterized by fear of gaining weight and body image disturbance, in the absence of significantly low body weight. AAN may present specific clinical and psychopathological features. Nonetheless, the literature lacks data concerning the nutritional characteristics and body composition of children and adolescents with AAN and their variation over time. Methods: Case series, including 17 children and adolescents with AAN. All the patients were assessed at the first evaluation (T0) with a standardized dietary assessment (24 h Dietary Recall, 24 hDR). Nutritional data were compared with European dietary reference values (DRVs). Body composition parameters (weight, fat mass, fat-free mass) and their changes over time at two (T1) and six (T2) months were collected as well, using a Bioelectrical impedance analysis (Wunder WBA300 with four poles and foot contact; impedance frequency 50 kHz 500 μA; impedance measurement range 200~1000 Ω/0.1 Ω). Results: The included individuals presented eating behaviors oriented towards significantly low daily energy intake (p < 0.001) compared with DRVs set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (with low carbohydrates and fats), and increased proteins (p < 0.001). A longer latency before observation (illness duration before observation) correlated with a negative change in weight. Body composition parameters were described, with no significant changes across the six-month outpatient assessment. Discussion: This is the first research to systematically assess the body composition and nutritional features of a group of individuals with AAN in the developmental age. Further research should assess the effect of targeted treatment interventions on body composition and nutritional features.