IntroductionAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults often co-occurs with eating disorders (EDs), potentially through shared difficulties in emotional regulation, and executive functions. This study explored the associations between cognitive flexibility as a component of executive functions, core adult ADHD symptom dimensions and emotional eating-related eating behaviorsin adults with ADHD and healthy controls, within the framework of executive functions.MethodsThis case-control study included 76 adults with ADHD and 69 healthy controls. Participants completed the Self-Report Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (SR-WRAADDS), Emotional Eating Questionnaire (EEQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Cognitive Control and Flexibility Questionnaire (CCFQ), and Berg’s Card Sorting Test. Group differences were tested with t-tests, correlations with Spearman’s ρ, and hierarchical regression (Approval No: I11-798-23).ResultsThe ADHD group had significantly higher EEQ scores (t = 5.39, p =0.001). The ADHD group also showed lower CCFQ total score (t (125) = –5.52, p <0.001). EEQ scores were positively correlated with SR-WRAADDS Attention Deficit (ρ =0.331, p =0.003), and CCFQ Cognitive Control over Emotion (ρ = −0.256, p =0.02). Regression analysis identified attention deficit as the only significant predictor of the EEQ total scorein the ADHD group.DiscussionOur findings suggest that impairments in executive functioning—including cognitive flexibility, attentional regulation, and emotion-related control mechanisms—may play a more central role in the relationship between ADHD and emotional eating-related eating behaviors. Longitudinal studies are warrented to further elucidate these mechanisms.
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