B4351 - Executive Function as transdiagnostic cognitive marker of ADHD and eating disorders in early adulthood - 12/06/2023

B number: 
B4351
Principal applicant name: 
Yuning Zhang | University of Southampton (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Ms Amy Cooke
Title of project: 
Executive Function as transdiagnostic cognitive marker of ADHD and eating disorders in early adulthood
Proposal summary: 

ADHD and eating disorders have been indicated to be highly comorbid disorders, however research is still unclear of mediators in the comorbidity. Research has shown executive functions to have associations with both disorders, despite this, there is currently limited literature aiming to determine executive function as a potential transdiagnostic cognitive marker in the comorbidity. Biological, social and cognitive factors have been proposed to explain the comorbidity, yet research is still limited in its investigation of the role of executive function in the comorbidity. To address this gap in the literature, I plan to examine whether executive function mediates ADHD and eating disorder relationship at 24/25 years of age.

Impact of research: 
Our research will provide a novel insight into executive function as transdiagnostic cognitive marker of ADHD and eating disorders. If this research demonstrates a significant finding, it allows for future research into the comorbidity of the disorders, and can have implications for interventions and treatment plans, aiming to help individuals who are diagnosed or at risk, in order to decrease the impact of comorbid ADHD and eating disorders.
Date proposal received: 
Saturday, 3 June, 2023
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 12 June, 2023
Keywords: 
Mental health - Psychology, Psychiatry, Cognition, Developmental disorders - autism, Eating disorders - anorexia, bulimia, Statistical methods, Cognition - cognitive function