A recent study by the University of Virginia indicates that adolescent girls suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are at increased risk for developing eating disorders. ADHD affects an estimated 5 percent of school-aged children. Boys are three times more likely than girls to have ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD may include a short attention span, poor organizational abilities, excessive talking, disruptive and aggressive behavior, restlessness, and irritability.

Although boys are three times more likely than girls to have ADHD, girls are 10 times more likely than boys to have eating disorders. Researchers hypothesize that ADHD may put adolescent girls at greater risk for eating disorders because having ADHD exacerbates influences that encourage disordered eating, and the impulsive behaviors caused by ADHD may be related to impulsive eating behaviors. Lead researcher, psychologist Amori Yee Mikami, commented:

"Girls with ADHD may be more at risk of developing eating problems as adolescents because they already have impulsive behaviors that can set them apart from their peers. ... As they get older, their impulsivity may make it difficult for them to maintain healthy eating and a healthy weight, resulting in self-consciousness about their body image and the binging and purging symptoms."

(Source: ScienceDaily.com)