Influence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on binge eating behaviors and psychiatric comorbidity profile of obese women

Abstract Objective Previous studies have reported higher prevalence rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) both in eating disorders (ED) and in obese patients. We compared the psychiatric comorbidity profile of obese ADHD women with non-ADHD obese women and how ADHD symptoms impact in binge eating behaviors. Design Cross-sectional study of a clinical sample. Subjects 171 adult women were evaluated at a specialized clinic in obesity and ED. Measurements Participants complete a semi-structured interview and psychopathology rating scales. A hierarchical regression model was employed to predict binge eating behavior. Results Obese ADHD patients had a larger number of psychiatric comorbidities (p  Conclusion ADHD should be routinely evaluated in obese since it is related with more severe psychopathology. Depressive symptoms can predict the presence of binge eating in obese patients.