A 10-Year-Old Girl’s Dysfunctional ‘Self-Help’ in ADHD: Suppression of Hyperkinetic Symptoms via Self-Induced Weight Loss in the Context of Anorexia Nervosa—A Case Report

Mestermann S, Stonawski V, Böhm L, Kratz O, Moll G, Horndasch S (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Children MDPI

Book Volume: 10

Article Number: 1509

Journal Issue: 9

DOI: 10.3390/children10091509

Abstract

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are frequent mental disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry. Comorbidity of these disorders is, however, rare among minors. Thus, little is known about their mutual impact on illness development as well as diagnostic and therapeutic influencing factors. We report the case of a 10-year old girl with AN and massive underweight. At the age of 5, ADHD had been diagnosed. Application of ADHD-specific medication had been refused by her caregiver. As of 3rd grade, hyperkinetic symptoms were significantly reduced, which was later linked to beginning AN-induced weight loss. At inpatient admission, no clinically relevant ADHD-related symptoms were present. Accompanying weight gain, rather ‘sudden’ appearance of attention difficulties, motoric hyperactivity and impulsivity were reported, widely impairing our patient’s schoolwork and further daily life. Methylphenidate medication showed good clinical response and tolerability. We hypothesize that the former massive underweight had suppressed ADHD-specific behaviour. AN with significant weight loss could possibly mask hyperkinetic symptoms in children. Thus, sufficient clinical diagnostics and intense monitoring during ED treatment are required. Physicians and therapists should be sensitized for interactions in the joint occurrence of these mental disorders among minors.

Authors with CRIS profile

Stefan Mestermann Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Valeska Stonawski Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Lea Böhm Lehrstuhl für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie Oliver Kratz Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Gunther Moll Professur für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie

How to cite

APA:

Mestermann, S., Stonawski, V., Böhm, L., Kratz, O., Moll, G., & Horndasch, S. (2023). A 10-Year-Old Girl’s Dysfunctional ‘Self-Help’ in ADHD: Suppression of Hyperkinetic Symptoms via Self-Induced Weight Loss in the Context of Anorexia Nervosa—A Case Report. Children, 10(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/children10091509

MLA:

Mestermann, Stefan, et al. "A 10-Year-Old Girl’s Dysfunctional ‘Self-Help’ in ADHD: Suppression of Hyperkinetic Symptoms via Self-Induced Weight Loss in the Context of Anorexia Nervosa—A Case Report." Children 10.9 (2023).

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