Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder–specific stimulant misuse, mood, anxiety, and stress in college-age women at high risk for or with eating disorders

Abstract

Objective To examine the misuse of ADHD-specific stimulants in a college population at high risk for or with clinical or subclinical eating disorders. Participants 448 college-age women ages 18–25 at high risk for or with a clinical or subclinical eating disorder. Methods Participants completed assessments of stimulant misuse and psychopathology from September 2009 - June 2010. Results Greater eating disorder pathology, objective binge eating, purging, eating disorder-related clinical impairment, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and trait anxiety were associated with an increased likelihood of stimulant misuse. Subjective binge eating, excessive exercise, and dietary restraint were not associated with stimulant misuse. Conclusions ADHD-specific stimulant misuse is associated with eating disorder and comorbid pathology among individuals at high risk for or with clinical or subclinical eating disorders. Screening for stimulant misuse and eating disorder pathology may improve identification of college-age women who may be engaging in maladaptive behaviors and inform prevention efforts.

Systematic Review: Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants: Risk Factors, Outcomes, and Risk Reduction Strategies

“…18,31 Some studies have found that individuals who report NMU are more likely to have eating disorders. 51,59,109 For example, among 707 college students without a prescription for stimulants, respondents who used stimulants for weight loss had more symptoms of eating disorders than those who did not. 59 Motivations.…”

Health-compromising practices of undergraduate college students: Examining racial/ethnic and gender differences in characteristics of prescription stimulant misuse

“…Moreover, one study found that increased stimulant misuse was present within a specific group of college-age women at risk for or with a clinical or subclinical eating disorder (Gibbs et al, 2016). These findings highlight possible gender differences in patterns of stimulant misuse that require further investigation (Wu & Schlenger, 2003); to date, however, these possible differences in use characteristics have not been examined.…”

Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Clinical Considerations for Women

“…Weight control is a common motivation for prescription stimulant misuse among women . Indeed, Gibbs et al found that 17% of women who misused prescription stimulants did so primarily as a means of controlling their weight/body shape.…”