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.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study of a clinical sample.


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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Attention-Deficit Study Group (GEDA), Institute of Psychiatry (IPUB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry (IPUB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Group of Obesity and Eating Disorders (GOTA), State Intitute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (IEDE), Institute of Psychiatry (IPUB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Electronic address: bruno.nazar@gmail.com.
Bruno Palazzo
BP
Nazar
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit (UPIA), Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brasil.
Raphael
R
Suwwan
Attention-Deficit Study Group (GEDA), Institute of Psychiatry (IPUB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry (IPUB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Group of Obesity and Eating Disorders (GOTA), State Intitute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (IEDE), Institute of Psychiatry (IPUB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Camilla Moreira
CM
de Sousa Pinna
Group of Obesity and Eating Disorders (GOTA), State Intitute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (IEDE), Institute of Psychiatry (IPUB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Monica
M
Duchesne
Group of Obesity and Eating Disorders (GOTA), State Intitute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (IEDE), Institute of Psychiatry (IPUB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Silvia Regina
SR
Freitas
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Joseph
J
Sergeant
Attention-Deficit Study Group (GEDA), Institute of Psychiatry (IPUB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Paulo
P
Mattos
D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D002032:Bulimia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*