Abstract
Objective
This review maps existing literature on the prevalence of autism and ADHD in adult patients with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED); patient and stakeholder perspectives on this comorbidity; clinical differences in this population; and potential treatment adaptations or adjunct therapies. This is with the aim to inform future research priorities to improve clinical practice.
Method
As pre-registered, and following PRISMA guidelines, six databases (Embase, MEDLINE via Ovid, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Scopus) were searched for studies regarding autism and/or ADHD (diagnosed, probable, or traits) in adult patients with BN or BED. Screening and data extraction were conducted twice independently for each record.
Results
Twenty-nine studies were included, with 25,416 participants, mostly women (69.3%). Thirteen prevalence studies suggested autism and ADHD are more common in BN or BED than non-ED populations. One study explored the expert perspectives on autism and ADHD in BED, while 15 studies considered treatment options, mainly medications.
Conclusion
This review highlights a need for more research on the experiences, clinical differences, and non-medical treatment options for Autistic/ADHD patients with BN or BED. Findings suggest these conditions commonly co-occur but remain under-explored in terms of patient-centred interventions and clinical outcomes.
This review maps existing literature on the prevalence of autism and ADHD in adult patients with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED); patient and stakeholder perspectives on this comorbidity; clinical differences in this population; and potential treatment adaptations or adjunct therapies. This is with the aim to inform future research priorities to improve clinical practice.
Method
As pre-registered, and following PRISMA guidelines, six databases (Embase, MEDLINE via Ovid, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Scopus) were searched for studies regarding autism and/or ADHD (diagnosed, probable, or traits) in adult patients with BN or BED. Screening and data extraction were conducted twice independently for each record.
Results
Twenty-nine studies were included, with 25,416 participants, mostly women (69.3%). Thirteen prevalence studies suggested autism and ADHD are more common in BN or BED than non-ED populations. One study explored the expert perspectives on autism and ADHD in BED, while 15 studies considered treatment options, mainly medications.
Conclusion
This review highlights a need for more research on the experiences, clinical differences, and non-medical treatment options for Autistic/ADHD patients with BN or BED. Findings suggest these conditions commonly co-occur but remain under-explored in terms of patient-centred interventions and clinical outcomes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | European Eating Disorders Review |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Jan 2025 |