[Treatment of eating disorders with concurrent ADHD symptoms: knowledge, knowledge gaps and clinical implications]

Abstract

Emerging evidence supports a prevalence overlap between ADHD and bulimia nervosa/binge eating disorder. A high degree of ADHD symptoms may have a negative impact on recovery in eating disorders with loss of control over the eating, bingeing and purging. Screening/diagnostic evaluation of ADHD in all persons with loss of control over the eating/bingeing/purging eating disorders is required. For patients diagnosed with ADHD, treatment with stimulants can be tested and evaluated for both eating disorders and ADHD symptoms. While there is evidence that lisdexamfetamine reduces symptoms of binge eating disorder, rigorous studies evaluating ADHD treatment, including medication, for bulimia nervosa are still missing.