ADHD Increases Risk for Bulimia

Impulsiveness associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) puts teen girls with attention problems at a substantial risk for eating disorders, shows a new study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology.

The research examined 140 girls with hyperactive and/or inattentive ADHD and 88 without the disorder. The girls were first assessed between the ages of six and 12 and five years later.

Results showed that girls with combined inattentive and hyperactive ADHD had the greatest chance of experiencing symptoms of bulimia. Levels of impulsiveness at the first assessment were the best predictor of whether girls would develop the disorder.

Compared to their non-ADHD peers, girls with ADHD were also more likely to be overweight, experience peer rejection and report poor parental relationships. These three criteria were tied to an increased incidence of bulimia regardless of ADHD status.

ABSTRACT: Eating pathology among adolescent girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder