Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and disordered eating behaviour: A systematic review and a framework...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Preliminary evidence suggests a link between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and disordered eating behaviors.
• The specific types of disordered eating associated with ADHD and the influence of distinct ADHD symptoms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on the association between ADHD symptomatology and disordered eating behavior.
• To evaluate the strength of evidence for these associations and identify specific symptom-behavior links.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of seventy-five studies was conducted.
• The review synthesized findings on ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) and various disordered eating behaviors.

Main Results:

• A moderate strength of evidence supports a positive association between ADHD and disordered eating, particularly overeating.
• Impulsivity symptoms in ADHD are consistently linked to overeating and bulimia nervosa.
• Hyperactivity symptoms show limited association with restrictive eating, primarily in males.

Conclusions:

• ADHD is associated with disordered eating, with impulsivity being a key feature linked to overeating and bulimia.
• Further research is needed to clarify the directionality, mechanisms, and specific roles of ADHD symptoms in disordered eating.
• A framework is proposed to guide future research in this area.