The Complex Interplay between Eating Disorder Psychopathology and Neurodivergence: Overlap and Boundaries

EPA webinar by the EPA Section on Eating Disorders and the EPA Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders across the Lifespan

For the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the EPA is pleased to announce the webinar “The Complex Interplay between Eating Disorder Psychopathology and Neurodivergence: Overlap and Boundaries,” which will take place on Monday 7 December 2026, from 16:30 to 18:00 CET. This webinar is organised by the EPA Sections of Eating Disorders and Neurodevelopmental Disorders across the Lifespan.

DETAILS

Title: The Complex Interplay between Eating Disorder Psychopathology and Neurodivergence: Overlap and Boundaries
Date: Monday, 7 December 2026
Time: 16:30 – 18:00 CEST
Platform: Zoom
Registrations: Open

Key learning objectives

Understand the prevalence and phenomenology of neurodevelopmental disorders and eating disorders
Provide the theoretical background for potential underlying mechanisms, overlapping conditions, and boundaries between these two conditions
Discuss clinical implications across subtypes of eating disorders, providing take home message and practical skills for diagnostic assessment and clinical management

PROGRAMME

16:30 – 16:40 | Prof. Giovanni Castellini & Dr. Ozge Kilic – Welcome and introduction
16:40 – 17:00 | Dr. Dora Wynchank – ADHD and Eating Disorders: Prevalence, Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
17:00 – 17:20 | Dr. Nadia Micali — Understanding ARFID: Recognition in the context of neurodevelopment, Treatment, and Support Across the Lifespan
17:20 – 17:40 | Dr. Jakob Unterholzner — Comorbidity between ADHD and obesity: long term outcomes and implication for new pharmacological treatments
17:40 – 17:50 | Q&A Session
17:50 – 18:00 | Prof. Giovanni Castellini & Dr. Ozge Kilic – Conclusions

Abstract:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism and eating disorders (EDs) frequently co-occur, creating diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in psychiatric practice. Emerging evidence highlights a bidirectional relationship, particularly between ADHD symptom dimensions such as impulsivity and inattentiveness, and binge-spectrum eating behaviours. This comorbidity is associated with increased illness severity, treatment resistance, and poorer long-term outcomes.

In this webinar, we will review the prevalence and phenomenology of neurodevelopmental disorders and EDs, explore potential genetic and neurobiological mechanisms, and discuss clinical implications across subtypes of EDs. Findings from meta-analyses, population-based cohorts, and recent randomised trials will be synthesised to highlight risk pathways and treatment considerations. Special attention will be given to how neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms complicate assessment, contribute to dropout from standard therapies, and may inform tailored, integrated treatment approaches. Evidence for combined interventions, including psychotherapeutic and pharmacological options such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with lisdexamfetamine, will be discussed.

A second presentation will focus specifically on Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), examining its links with neurodevelopmental conditions and implications for clinical care. Finally, a third presentation will consider the interconnection between neurodevelopmental disorders and obesity, with a particular focus on pharmacological compounds for ADHD and their effect on weight loss.

Target audience

Scholars interested in scientific research of neurodevelopmental, eating disorders, and obesity, as well as for clinicians of different degree of specialization (expert in neurodevelopmental and eating disorders, as well as early career general psychiatry).

Moderators

Giovanni Castellini, Chair of EPA Section on Eating Disorders, Associate Professor, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy – Biography
Özge Kılıç, Secretary of the EPA Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders across the Lifespan, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Bezmialem Vakif University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Neurosciences, Istanbul, Türkiye – Biography

Speakers

Dora Wynchank, Chair of EPA Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders Across the Lifespan (NDAL), Amsterdam UMC, PsyQ, The Hague, Netherlands – Biography
Nadia Micali, Center for Eating and Feeding Disorders Research (CEDaR) Psychiatric Center Ballerup, Mental Health Services of the Capital Region of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Denmark – Biography
Jakob Unterholzner, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Medical University of Vienna, Austria – Biography

Additional resources:

Kooij et al. Updated European Consensus Statement on diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. Eur Psychiatry. 2019 Feb;56:14-34.
Willmott E, Dickinson R, Hall C, Sadikovic K, Wadhera E, Micali N, Trompeter N, Jewell T. A scoping review of psychological interventions and outcomes for avoidant and restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Int J Eat Disord. 2024 Jan;57(1):27-61.
James RM, O’Shea J, Micali N, Russell SJ, Hudson LD. Physical health complications in children and young people with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Paediatr Open. 2024.