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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

The severity of ADHD and eating disorder symptoms: a correlational study

Authors: Niklaus Stulz, Urs Hepp, Céline Gächter, Chantal Martin-Soelch, Anja Spindler, Gabriella Milos

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and eating disorders (ED) share several clinical features. Research on the association between ADHD and ED is still quite sparse and findings are ambiguous.

Methods

Correlations between the severity of ADHD key features (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Self-Rating questionnaire) and the severity of specific ED symptoms (Structured Interview for Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa) were examined in 32 female patients diagnosed with ED.

Results

Most correlations between the severity of ADHD features and the severity of ED symptoms were low (r<0.30) and did not reach statistical significance. The only exception was a statistically significant, but counterintuitive association between impulsivity and the avoidance of fattening food.

Conclusions

The findings in this small sample suggest a weak link between the severity of ADHD key features and the severity of single ED symptoms in female patients with ED. The role of ADHD features for the development, maintenance, and treatment of EDs seems to be intricate and requires further study.
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Metadata
Title
The severity of ADHD and eating disorder symptoms: a correlational study
Authors
Niklaus Stulz
Urs Hepp
Céline Gächter
Chantal Martin-Soelch
Anja Spindler
Gabriella Milos
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-44

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