The effects of stimulant medication on loss of control eating in youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

In youth, binge eating is characterized by loss of control eating (LOC-E). LOC-E affects 23% of children worldwide and predicts binge-eating disorder in adulthood. Given the shared features of LOC-E and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimulant medications used for ADHD could potentially treat symptoms of LOC-E. This thesis examined the relationship between stimulant medication initiation and change in LOC-E frequency, eating disorder cognitions, ADHD symptoms, reward sensitivity and impulsivity, and mood/anxiety symptoms in youth diagnosed with ADHD and LOC-E over a 3-month period. Within our sample (n = 10), a mean difference of 8.2 episodes was observed in LOC-E frequency at follow-up. In addition, associated symptoms saw reductions while receiving stimulant treatment for ADHD. These findings provide preliminary support for a relationship between stimulant medications and LOC-E. This thesis could support adequately powered randomized controlled trials to better delineate the relationships between LOC-E, ADHD, and stimulant medications in youth.