Date of Submission
2011
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP
First Advisor
Brad Rosenfield, Psy.D., Chairperson
Second Advisor
Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP
Third Advisor
Casey O’Donnell, Ph.D.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and general psychological characteristics in an adult, presurgery population of patients seeking Gastric Bypass (GB). An ADHD diagnosis was defined as clinically significant scores as measured by the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS). Other psychological characteristics were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – Second Edition (MMPI-2). The sample was selected from a homogeneous adult outpatient population. Participants meeting inclusion criteria presented for psychological assessment preparatory to GB surgery at the office of Dr. Steven Walfish. Participants were excluded if they failed to complete valid CAARS and MMPI-2 protocols. The study was correlational in design. Results indicated that endorsement of psychological problems in a population seeking GB was consistent with the prevalence of ADHD in the general population. The participants endorsed a high rate of hyperactivity-impulsivity. The results of the study also revealed subclinical correlations between problems with executive functioning and psychological conditions. This sample was of a relatively high socioeconomic status, which may have selected against more severe psychopathology. Future research should examine the aforementioned characteristics in a lower socioeconomic sample
Recommended Citation
Parry, Andrea M., "The Prevalence of ADHD in Candidates for Gastric Bypass Surgery: Are Overeating and Obesity Accounted for by the Attention Deficits and Impulisivity of ADHD?" (2011). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 186.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/186