(PS1-61) ADHD Symptoms and Disordered Eating Cognitions

Individuals with symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be at an increased risk of developing disordered eating (DE) behaviors. It is important to evaluate the unique ways in which the symptoms of ADHD may contribute to the development and maintenance of DEs. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations between behavioral symptoms of ADHD and disordered appearance-related cognitions. Through this study, we intend to emphasize the feedback loop between habit and thought that is unique to the symptom expression of ADHD and eating disorder (ED) beliefs. Using survey research, 120 participants from Loyola University of New Orleans (M age= 20.04, SD= 1.25) completed the  Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale version 1.1 to assess inattentive and hyperactive symptoms and the  Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire to assess for cognitions relating to eating shame (ES) (Cronbach’s ɑ= 0.77) and preoccupation with thoughts (PwT) related to weight and/or appetite (Cronbach’s ɑ= 0.84). Participants also completed items compiled from Self-Regulation of Eating Behaviors Questionnaire and Emotional Appetite Questionnaire to operationalize behaviors of underconsumption (Cronbach’s ɑ=.87) and overconsumption (Cronbach’s ɑ=.88).  Hierarchical regression analyses revealed (Step 1) a mediating role of underconsumption in the relationship between inattentive symptoms and ES. In Step 2 of the model, inattentive symptoms were a significant predictor of ES (β =.253, p = .005); with underconsumption included in Step 3 of the model, inattentive symptoms no longer significantly predicted ES (β =.184, p = .053). These analyses also revealed (Step 1) a mediating role of overconsumption in the relationship between hyperactive symptoms and PwT. In Step 2 of the model, hyperactive symptoms were a significant predictor of PwT (β =.192, p = .036); with overconsumption included in Step 3 of the model, hyperactive symptoms no longer significantly predicted PwT (β =.132, p = .169).  These findings suggest that the inattentive symptoms of ADHD (such as forgetfulness and/or organizational difficulties) may lead to cognitive distortions related to eating shame, such as guilt about eating and/or fear surrounding eating, and this relationship is mediated by food underconsumption (via forgetting to eat meals and/or inability to plan and prepare meals). In addition, the hyperactive symptoms of ADHD (such as restlessness and/or poor response inhibition)  may lead to preoccupation with distressing cognitions related to food and/or one’s appearance), and this relationship is mediated by food overconsumption (via eating in response to stressors and/or eating in the absence of hunger). Taken together, these findings  further the clinical understanding of the multimorbid cognitive-behavioral experiences faced by individuals with symptoms of ADHD and DE, and may promote specialized intervention strategies that address distressing cognitions.