The investigation of the relationship between Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder and Eating Disorders in Adolescents.

Abstract

Since Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disordercharacterized by behavioral problems and learning difficulties, some researchers have suggested that ADHD may be associated with "unhealthy" diets or disturbed feeding patterns and lack of nutrients. In addition, ADHD has also been considered as a disorder of self-regulation, where the inhibition of impulse is limited, a characteristic that also occurs in patients with Eating Disorders (ED). The purpose of this review is to investigate the relationship between ADHD and ED in adolescents, as well as possible associations with specific ED and characteristics of ADHD. According to the results of this review, a correlation between ADHD and ED in adolescents was observed in several studies. In particular, ADHD was largely associated with both Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). A key feature of ADHD, which was associated with a disturbed way of feeding, was impulsiveness. The conclusions of this review could be used in treating ADHD and ED in adolescents effectively, specifically in Greek population, describing in detail the possible relationship between them. This information will be an important tool for specialists, who, together with parents and caregivers, will help and improve symptoms in adolescents with ADHD and ED.