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ADHD increases risk for disordered eating among children

Children with ADHD were significantly more likely to have an eating disorder, according to study findings in the International Journal of Eating Disorders

Although some attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatments may induce weight loss among children, the disorder has also been associated with being overweight or obese. To further investigate associations between ADHD and weight loss or gain, Shauna P. Reinblatt MD, FRCP(C), assistant professor in the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and colleagues conducted interviews among 79 children (aged 8 to 14 years) and their parents. Neuropsychological testing was administered to determine children’s impulsivity.

Analysis indicated children diagnosed with ADHD were 12 times more likely to experience a loss of control eating syndrome compared with children who did not have ADHD.

Further, overweight or obese children who had a loss of control eating syndrome were seven times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD vs. overweight or obese children without disordered eating.

Neuropsychological testing showed that risk for a loss of control eating syndrome increased as impulsivity test scores increased.

The findings suggest a link between ADHD and disordered eating, though impulsivity may mediate that link, according to researchers.

“Our findings underscore the need for developing new treatment strategies that could help target disinhibited eating in kids who have both ADHD and [loss of control eating syndrome],” Reinblatt said in a press release.

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