Overlap of eating disorders and neurodivergence: the role of inhibitory control

Abstract

Objective: Difficulties with inhibitory control have been identified in eating disorders (EDs) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs; including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder), and there appear to be parallels between the expression of these impairments. It is theorised that impairments in inhibitory control within NDs may represent a unique vulnerability for eating disorders (EDs), and this same mechanism may contribute to poorer treatment outcomes. This review seeks to determine the state of the literature concerning the role of inhibitory control in the overlap of EDs and neurodivergence. Method: A scoping review was conducted to summarise extant research, and to identify gaps in the existing knowledge base. Scopus, Medline, PsycInfo, Embase, and ProQuest were systematically searched. Results: Four studies exploring the relationship between ADHD and EDs using behavioural measures of inhibitory control met selection criteria. These studies showed a multifaceted relationship between these conditions, with differences emerging between domains of inhibitory control, and these were not consistently correlated with the relationship between measures of impulsivity, ADHD and EDs. Further research is recommended to clarify the relationships between impulsivity, inhibitory control, ADHD and EDs. Two additional studies were ineligible for inclusion but closely related to study criteria and relevant findings were discussed. No studies explored the relationship between autism and EDs using behavioural measures of inhibitory control. Conclusion: Further research is needed to explore the role of inhibitory control in EDs, ADHD and autism, including the use of both self-report and behavioural measures to capture the domains of inhibitory control.