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Attention‐deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in a Prebariatric Surgery Sample
Author(s) -
Gruss Barbara,
Mueller Astrid,
Horbach Thomas,
Martin Alexandra,
Zwaan Martina
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.1128
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , obesity , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , binge eating , eating disorders , psychiatry , body mass index , population , medicine , binge eating disorder , clinical psychology , psychology , bulimia nervosa , environmental health , economics , macroeconomics
Background Research suggests that obese children, adolescents and adults frequently suffer from attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of adult ADHD in a group of patients with grade 3 obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m 2 ) prior to bariatric surgery. Method We assessed 116 patients for childhood and adult ADHD, co‐occurring psychiatric disorders, severity of depression and daytime sleepiness. Results Fourteen participants (12.1%) screened positive for adult ADHD. Even though this rate is higher compared with prevalence rates in representative population samples, it was not elevated compared with a group of morbidly obese individuals in a German general population sample (14.3%). Adult ADHD was associated with greater severity of depressive symptoms and more psychotherapy contact in the past but not with binge eating disorder or daytime sleepiness. Conclusion As ADHD appears to be a common condition in morbidly obese individuals, the impact of adult ADHD on postsurgical weight loss needs to be examined. Besides, the causal link between obesity and ADHD in adults should be further investigated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.