Attention-deficit hyperactivity symptoms and disorder in eating disorder inpatients.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and a DSM-IV ADHD diagnosis in women admitted for treatment of an eating disorder.

Method: One hundred eighty-nine inpatient women with an eating disorder were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) and ADHD interview from the Multi-international Psychiatric Interview (MINI).

Results: Twenty-one percent of the sample reported at least six current ADHD symptoms, but the estimated prevalence rate for a diagnosis of ADHD in this population was only 5.8% (95% CI: 2.6%-9.5%). Most current ADHD inattentive symptoms appeared after childhood suggesting late-onset non-ADHD origins. Current inattention symptoms in those without a diagnosis of ADHD correlated with higher BMI (p < .0001), symptoms of bulimia nervosa and current level of depression symptoms (p = .025).

Discussion: Although current ADHD symptoms were commonly endorsed in this population, clinicians should carefully examine for childhood symptom-onset of ADHD.