Are girls with ADHD at risk for eating disorders? Results from a controlled, five-year prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders in a large adolescent population of girls with and without ADHD.


METHODS
We estimated the incidence of lifetime eating disorders (either anorexia or bulimia nervosa) using Cox proportional hazard survival models. Comparisons between ADHD girls with and without eating disorders were then made on measures of comorbidity, course of ADHD, and growth and puberty.


RESULTS
ADHD girls were 3.6 times more likely to meet criteria for an eating disorder throughout the follow-up period compared to control females. Girls with eating disorders had significantly higher rates of major depression, anxiety disorders, and disruptive behavior disorder compared to ADHD girls without eating disorders. Girls with ADHD and eating disorders had a significantly earlier mean age at menarche than other ADHD girls. No other differences in correlates of ADHD were detected between ADHD girls with and without eating disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
ADHD significantly increases the risk of eating disorders. The presence of an eating disorder in girls with ADHD heightens the risk of additional morbidity and dysfunction.
Biederman
Joseph
J
Clinical and Research Program in Pediatric Psychopharmacology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. jbiederman@partners.org
Ball
Sarah W
SW
Monuteaux
Michael C
MC
Surman
Craig B
CB
Johnson
Jessica L
JL
Zeitlin
Sarah
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index