Effect of Stimulant Medication on Loss of Control Eating in Youth With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Loss of control eating (LOC-E) in youth predicts the later development of full syndrome eating disorders, such as binge-eating disorder (BED), and therefore, could be a relevant target for prevention interventions. Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at higher risk of experiencing LOC-E than healthy controls, and there is evidence that related neurocognitive predisposing factors, such as impulsivity and dysfunctional reward processing, are associated with the pathogenesis of LOC-E. Therefore, it is pertinent to examine whether modifying these neurocognitive symptoms influences LOC-E and the subsequent development of eating disorders. Stimulants are an efficacious treatment for impulsivity in youth with ADHD and have been shown to improve symptoms of binge eating in adults; however, studies have not prospectively explored the effect of stimulants on LOC-E in youth. To explore this gap, the investigators aim to collect prospective observational data in a clinical setting to measure change in LOC-E episodes and secondary outcomes in youth aged 8 to 13 years old with ADHD and LOC-E who are treated with stimulants. The investigators will collect outcome measures prior to stimulant initiation (baseline) and 3 months after stimulant initiation.

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Nova Scotia Health Authority

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Study ID: NCT05592119