Impact of stimulant medication on eating control in youth with ADHD

Effect of Stimulant Medication on Loss of Control Eating in Youth With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a Prospective, Observational Case Series

Observational Nova Scotia Health Authority · NCT05592119

This study is testing if stimulant medication can help kids with ADHD who struggle with losing control over their eating habits.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 13 Years
SexAll
SponsorNova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other
Locations1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Trial IDNCT05592119 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between stimulant medication and loss of control eating (LOC-E) in youth diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It will involve a cohort of children aged 8 to 13 years who have experienced episodes of LOC-E, with data collected from various clinics in Nova Scotia. The study will assess neurocognitive factors associated with LOC-E and explore whether stimulant treatment can mitigate these symptoms. The research team will utilize standardized assessments to evaluate the participants' eating behaviors and ADHD symptoms over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 8 to 13 years who have been diagnosed with ADHD and have experienced episodes of loss of control eating.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving treatment for overweight or those taking medications that affect eating behavior may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for youth with ADHD who experience loss of control eating, potentially preventing the development of more severe eating disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While stimulant medications have shown promise in treating impulsivity and binge eating in adults, this specific approach in youth with ADHD and LOC-E is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Youth 8 to 13 years of age
* Able to provide informed consent
* Meet DSM-V diagnostic criteria for ADHD
* Experienced at least 3 episodes of LOC-E during the past 3 months, accompanied by some degree of distress and 2 of the 5 behavioural symptoms associated with LOC-E

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently receiving treatment for overweight
* Taking medication with effects on eating behaviour
* Insufficient English language skills

Where this trial is running

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Loss of Control EatingAttention Deficit/Hyperactivity DisorderStimulantsEating disordersChildrenBinge eating
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.