Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with disordered eating in adolescents.

AIM: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disordered eating (DE) are both highly prevalent among adolescents, but their relationship is understudied. This study examines their possible association in a nationally representative sample of adolescents. METHODS: Participants in the Israeli Youth Health and Nutrition Survey (2015-2016), a cross-sectional, school-based study, completed self-administered questionnaires, including the SCOFF questionnaire, and underwent anthropometric measurements. An affirmative reply to at least two SCOFF items was considered a DE case. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the ADHD-DE association and the associations between ADHD and individual SCOFF items, controlling for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and body mass index. RESULTS: Of 4616 participants (12-18 years, 50.2% male), 654 reported an ADHD diagnosis. DE prevalence among ADHD adolescents was significantly higher than the non-ADHD group (50.2% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.003). Controlling for potential covariates, the association between ADHD and DE remained significant (OR = 1.409; 95% CI: 1.170-1.697), as did associations between ADHD and three SCOFF items. No difference in DE prevalence was found between stimulant-treated (n = 287) and untreated (n = 326) adolescents with ADHD. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with ADHD are more likely to experience DE. As DE can herald an imminent eating disorder, early identification is crucial. Further studies are needed to determine the ADHD-DE relationship's causality. IMPACT: Disordered eating (DE) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common among adolescents, and significantly affect health and well-being. This study examined the association between ADHD and DE in adolescents using the SCOFF questionnaire. Following adjustment for sociodemographic variables and BMI z-score, ADHD was associated with a 41% increased odds for DE. This study established the association between ADHD and DE, using a well-known questionnaire, in a large, nationally representative sample of adolescents. Monitoring eating behaviors and attitudes among adolescents with ADHD should be a priority, to minimize the risk of developing an eating disorder and its harmful consequences.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with relatively short stature among adolescents.

AIM: To estimate the association between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and relatively short stature (RSS) among adolescents. METHODS: Participants in the Israeli Youth Health and Nutrition Survey (2015-2016), a cross-sectional school-based study, completed self-administered questionnaires and underwent anthropometric measurements. Height z-score < -0.7 (<25th percentile) was defined as RSS. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed the relation between ADHD and RSS, controlling for age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status (Basic Model), and also for lifestyle factors such as physical activity, sleep duration, dietary patterns and intakes. RESULTS: Of 4173 participants (11-18 years, 50.2% males), 654 self-reported ever being diagnosed with ADHD; 3519 participants were controls. Overweight (BMI z-score ≥1) and pubertal status were not different among groups. According to the Basic Model, ADHD was significantly associated with RSS (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.50), and even after adjustments for lifestyle factors and dietary intake (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03-1.58). Stimulant-treated ADHD adolescents had similar height z-scores and lifestyles as those not treated with stimulants. CONCLUSION: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder was associated with RSS. Height deficit may be intrinsic to ADHD or its pharmacotherapy, rather than a consequence of lifestyle alone. Further studies are needed to determine the causal relationship between ADHD and short stature.