Is the Relationship Between ADHD Symptoms and Binge Eating Mediated by Impulsivity?
Kylie M Steadman1, Laura E Knouse2
1University of Richmond, VA, USA kylie.steadman@gmail.com.
Journal of Attention Disorders
|May 9, 2014
Summary
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder (BED) may be linked. While impulsivity correlates with both, this study found it doesn't mediate the ADHD-BED relationship in undergraduates.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food intake.
- Comorbidity between ADHD and BED is frequently observed, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential mediating role of impulsivity in the relationship between ADHD and BED symptoms.
- To explore the correlation between ADHD symptoms, BED tendencies, and various measures of impulsivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized questionnaires to assess ADHD and BED symptoms in undergraduate participants (n=50).
- Employed multiple questionnaires and a behavioral task to measure impulsivity.
- Analyzed correlations between ADHD, BED, and impulsivity measures.
Main Results:
- Confirmed expected correlations among ADHD symptoms, BED tendencies, and most impulsivity measures.
- Impulsivity assessed via a behavioral task did not correlate with BED symptoms.
- No significant mediation was found for any impulsivity measure between ADHD and BED symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Impulsivity may not be the sole or primary mediator linking ADHD and BED.
- Other psychological or biological factors likely contribute to the ADHD-BED comorbidity.
- Further research in clinical populations is necessary to elucidate the complex relationship.
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