Eating Disorder Symptoms, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, and Executive Functioning Deficits in Iranian College Students: A Network Analysis

Introduction: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and executive functioning deficits are prevalent among college and eating disorder (ED) populations. Although a few studies have examined which specific ADHD and executive functioning deficits are most strongly connected to specific ED symptoms, no studies have investigated them all in one study, or in non-Western societies such as Iran. This study used network analysis to identify central and bridge symptoms across ED symptoms, ADHD symptoms, and executive functioning in Iran. Methods: Participants were Iranian college students (n = 1,013; 82.7% women) who completed the Farsi-Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (F-EDE-Q), the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), and Web-Based Executive Function Questionnaire (Webexec). We computed three networks and identified central and bridge symptoms. Results: For ADHD symptoms, the most central nodes were difficulty with organization and remembering obligations; for executive functioning, problems with attention and concentration were most central. The most central bridge symptoms were desire for weight loss, binge eating, and problems with concentration. Discussion: Desire for weight loss, binge eating, and problems with concentration may explain the association between ED symptoms, ADHD symptoms, and executive functioning. Future research should explore ways to disrupt the relationship between these symptoms in therapeutic settings.