Prevalence and Correlates of Self-Reported ADHD Symptoms in Bariatric Patients: Focus on Mood and Anxiety Comorbidity, Disordered Eating, and Temperamental Traits - Scorecard - MDSpire

Prevalence and Correlates of Self-Reported ADHD Symptoms in Bariatric Patients: Focus on Mood and Anxiety Comorbidity, Disordered Eating, and Temperamental Traits

  • By

  • Giulio Emilio Brancati

  • Viarda Cosentino

  • Margherita Barbuti

  • Francesco Weiss

  • Alba Calderone

  • Paola Fierabracci

  • Guido Salvetti

  • Ferruccio Santini

  • Giulio Perugi

  • July 25, 2024

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: The Frequency and Associated Factors of Self-Reported ADHD Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: Emphasis on Comorbid Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Disordered Eating Patterns, and Personality Traits

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity
Key MechanismsShared genetics and neurobiological pathways involving dopaminergic system and brain reward circuits; executive dysfunction leading to disordered eating; dopamine-related decreased physical activity; sleep disturbances affecting obesity development
Target PopulationPatients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery
Care SettingBariatric surgery and obesity treatment programs

Key Highlights

  • ADHD prevalence is higher in patients with obesity, especially adolescents and adults, compared to the general population.
  • ADHD symptoms are associated with comorbid mood, anxiety, bipolar, and eating disorders, as well as temperamental traits like novelty seeking and harm avoidance.
  • ADHD-related impulsivity and executive dysfunction may negatively impact eating behaviors and bariatric surgery outcomes.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Screen for ADHD symptoms in patients with obesity, particularly those undergoing bariatric surgery, as standard psychiatric assessments may omit adult ADHD.
  • Use self-report instruments and consider comorbid psychiatric disorders including mood, anxiety, bipolar, and eating disorders.

Management

  • Consider ADHD treatment to potentially improve weight-loss outcomes and adherence to follow-up in bariatric surgery patients.
  • Address disordered eating behaviors and impulsivity through targeted interventions.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Monitor adherence to scheduled follow-up visits post-bariatric surgery in patients with ADHD symptoms.
  • Track changes in eating behaviors, mood symptoms, and impulsivity over time.

Risks

  • Increased risk of suboptimal bariatric surgery outcomes due to ADHD-related impulsivity and executive dysfunction.
  • Potential for comorbid psychiatric disorders complicating obesity treatment.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adults with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery who screen positive for ADHD symptoms

ADHD treatment may improve response inhibition and delay discounting, potentially enhancing eating behavior and weight-loss outcomes.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Incorporate ADHD screening in pre-bariatric surgery psychiatric evaluations.
  • Evaluate and manage comorbid mood, anxiety, bipolar, and eating disorders alongside ADHD.
  • Address impulsivity and executive function deficits through behavioral and pharmacological interventions.
  • Educate patients on the impact of ADHD symptoms on obesity and treatment adherence.
  • Consider multidisciplinary approaches integrating psychiatry, nutrition, and surgery teams.

References

Original Source(s)

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