Comorbid eating disorders in a Brazilian attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder adult clinical sample

Abstract

Although comorbidity between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders (ED) is relevant for clinical treatment, it is seldom investigated. Methods: 86 DSM-IV attention deficity hyperactivity disorder patients out of 107 self-referred adults in a specialized center for attention deficity hyperactivity disorder were interviewed using SCID-R to evaluate the lifetime prevalence of ED and other comorbid conditions. Results: Nine attention deficity hyperactivity disorder patients had comorbid eating disorders; binge eating disorder (BED) was the most common diagnosis. The group with eating disorders presented a higher prevalence of other comorbid disorders (p=0.02). No significant differences were found on gender, age at assessment, schooling level and type of attention deficity hyperactivity disorder between groups. Conclusion: Attention deficity hyperactivity disorder clinical samples may have a high prevalence of BED comorbidity. Patients with attention deficity hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders may have a different comorbid profile.