Abstract

There is evidence to suggest an association between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders (EDs). As those with subclinical symptoms of ADHD or ED often experience impairment, this cross-sectional study examined the relationship between ADHD symptoms and ED symptoms in a predominately subclinical undergraduate population. Students (n = 133; 80% female) completed questionnaires measuring ADHD and ED symptomatology. The relation between overall ADHD symptoms and ED symptoms was examined using linear regression; findings indicated that higher ADHD symptoms significantly predicted higher ED symptoms. When symptoms of both disorders were further delineated, inattentive ADHD symptoms consistently predicted higher ED symptoms (bulimia, body dissatisfaction, and drive for thinness). A number of mechanisms may explain the association between ADHD and ED symptoms, including shared executive function deficits, poor emotion regulation, and mood challenges. These mechanisms may have clinical relevance in ADHD and ED treatment and prevention efforts.

摘要

有证据表明注意力缺陷/多动症（ADHD）与进食障碍（ED）之间存在关联。由于患有多动症或亚临床症状的人经常会受到损伤，因此本横断面研究检查了以亚临床为主的大学生人群中多动症症状与ED症状之间的关系。学生（n = 133; 80％的女性）完成了测量ADHD和ED症状的问卷。使用线性回归检查总体ADHD症状和ED症状之间的关系。研究结果表明，较高的ADHD症状显着预测了较高的ED症状。当进一步描述两种疾病的症状时，注意力不集中的ADHD症状始终预示着更高的ED症状（贪食症，身体不满和瘦弱动机）。许多机制可以解释ADHD和ED症状之间的关联，包括共同的执行功能缺陷，不良的情绪调节和情绪挑战。这些机制可能在ADHD和ED的治疗和预防工作中具有临床意义。