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Are treatment results for eating disorders affected by ADHD symptoms? A one‐year follow‐up of adult females
Author(s) -
Svedlund Nils Erik,
Norring Claes,
Ginsberg Ylva,
HausswolffJuhlin Yvonne
Publication year - 2018
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.2598
Subject(s) - eating disorders , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , psychiatry , psychology , medicine , clinical psychology , pediatrics
Objective To explore the influence of self‐reported Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms on recovery rate at 1‐year follow‐up in an unselected group of patients in a specialized eating disorder (ED) clinic. Methods Four hundred forty‐three adult females with an ED were assessed with the ADHD Self‐Report Scale for Adults (ASRS‐screener), and for demographic variables and ED symptoms. Recovery was registered at 1‐year follow‐up. Results A high degree of ADHD symptoms at baseline was predictive for nonrecovery of ED at 1‐year follow‐up in patients with loss of control over eating, bingeing, or purging. The presence of inattentive ADHD symptoms was stronger associated with nonrecovery than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Conclusions A high degree of ADHD symptoms may have a negative impact on recovery in ED. Screening/diagnostic evaluation of ADHD in all loss of control over eating/bingeing/purging ED patients and studies of the effect of implementing ADHD‐treatment strategies in this patient group are recommended.