Differential patterns of disordered eating in subjects with ADHD and overweight^a

Abstract

Objectives. Despite growing evidence for an association between overweight and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), still little is known about the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Methods. Within a two (no ADHD, ADHD) × two (normal weight, overweight) factorial design (n = 94) we tested disordered eating behaviour in a laboratory breakfast procedure as well as delay aversion (DA) in male children aged 7–15 years. Results. While children with ADHD tended to eat above the normal level particularly at the beginning of the meal, children with overweight tended to eat above the normal level throughout the whole meal. Furthermore, preference for immediately available food was predicted by parental ratings of inattention and neuropsychological measures of DA in overweight children, and by impulsivity in children with ADHD. Conclusions. Our results suggest distinct neuropsychopathological pathways to abnormal eating in ADHD and overweight. Thus, children with overweight might benefit more from specialized treatment programmes that aim at improving attention functions while in children with ADHD the treatment should focus on impulsivity.

Key words::

• ADHD
• overweight
• impulsivity
• eating behaviour

Acknowledgements

Special thanks go to Markus Zirbes, Sarah Bourdon and Philipp Przybysz for their support throughout this study. We would also like to thank the children and their families for participating in this investigation. This study was supported by a grant of the Medical Faculty of Aachen (START, No. 30/06).

Statement of Interest

BH-D is a consultant to Eli Lilly and has received research funding from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Janssen Cilag. KK has received speeking fees from Eli Lilly, Novartis and Medice.