Are Eating Disorders Related to Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Abstract

Opinion statement Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Binge-eating behavior is often impulsive and is the hallmark of the two eating disorders, binge-eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN), both of which are associated with significant health impairment. Bingeing behavior is also seen in the binge purge subtype of anorexia nervosa. Individuals with AN of the binge purge subtypes, BN and BED, have been found to exhibit impulsive behaviors that are often not limited to binge eating alone. There is preliminary evidence linking ADHD to BN and to BED in both adults and children. The neurobiological mechanisms behind these associations are only beginning to emerge; however, they suggest that impulse control deficits may play a role in these eating disorders. Additionally, although they may not meet full criteria for one of these eating disorders, some adults and children with ADHD present with dysregulated, impulsive eating disorder behaviors and there is a growing association between ADHD, obesity, and binge-eating behavior in both children and adults. The relationship between ADHD and binge eating is novel, supported by growing evidence and worthy of further research. We will review the underlying neurobiological underpinnings, neuroimaging data, and possible psychopharmacological treatment options, which target both ADHD and binge-eating behaviors as well as future research and treatment directions.

Associations between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and eating behaviors in early childhood

“…First, using the CEBQ, our results support current literature suggesting positive associations between core symptoms of ADHD (eg, inattention and hyperactivity) and food responsiveness and emotional overeating . A number of studies have presented evidence linking ADHD and loss of control (LOC) eating in adolescence and young adults, demonstrating shared mechanisms (eg, impulsivity) underlying the relationship between ADHD and binge eating behaviors . In our young sample, we demonstrate eating patterns that may be vulnerabilities for LOC eating, such as food responsiveness and emotional overeating, are associated with attention problems and hyperactive‐impulsive symptoms.…”

Childhood psychopathology in children of women with eating disorders

“…An alternative explanation is that mothers might be more likely to report these difficulties selectively by gender. Despite possible explanations for the selectivity of results, the findings partly underscore the well‐replicated association between hyperactivity/inattention and BN .…”

Are treatment results for eating disorders affected by ADHD symptoms? A one‐year follow‐up of adult females

“…These results are logical considering symptom group results referred above combined with findings supporting the importance of attention deficit problems for ED symptom level (Seitz et al, ). The finding of the same association between hyperactivity symptoms and recovery in the no bingeing group is surprising because hyperactivity/impulsivity is rather thought to increase the risk of bingeing (Reinblatt, ). Still, this emphasizes that both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity might be relevant to explain the associations between ED and ADHD.…”