Influence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on binge eating behaviors and psychiatric comorbidity profile of obese women.

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have reported higher prevalence rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) both in eating disorders (ED) and in obese patients. We compared the psychiatric comorbidity profile of obese ADHD women with non-ADHD obese women and how ADHD symptoms impact in binge eating behaviors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of a clinical sample.

SUBJECTS: 171 adult women were evaluated at a specialized clinic in obesity and ED.

MEASUREMENTS: Participants complete a semi-structured interview and psychopathology rating scales. A hierarchical regression model was employed to predict binge eating behavior.

RESULTS

Obese ADHD patients had a larger number of psychiatric comorbidities (p<0.001), especially Substance Abuse Disorders, and higher scores on psychopathology rating scales (p<0.05). The highest prediction for binge eating in the regression model was the presence of depressive symptoms, followed by ADHD inattention symptoms and trait-impulsivity.

CONCLUSION

ADHD should be routinely evaluated in obese since it is related with more severe psychopathology. Depressive symptoms can predict the presence of binge eating in obese patients.