Date of Conferral

8-13-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Sandra Wise

Abstract

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was a quality improvement initiative designed to improve provider knowledge regarding the identification and management of young adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid anorexia nervosa in an outpatient behavioral health clinic. Evidence has demonstrated a significant association between ADHD and eating disorders; however, this comorbidity is frequently underrecognized in clinical practice, contributing to challenges in treatment selection and patient safety. Stimulant medications, the first-line pharmacologic treatment for ADHD, may suppress appetite and promote weight loss, potentially worsening anorexia nervosa and delaying nutritional recovery (Shear et al., 2021). Consequently, providers must understand evidence-based non-stimulant treatment alternatives and complementary approaches when developing individualized treatment plans. The practice-focused question guiding this project was: In psychiatric providers treating young adults diagnosed with ADHD and comorbid anorexia nervosa, does a standardized evidence-based provider education program, compared to current practice without standardized education, improve provider knowledge, confidence, and evidence-based clinical decision-making regarding non-stimulant treatment alternatives over an 11-week period? The educational intervention consisted of a standardized provider education program addressing ADHD and anorexia nervosa comorbidity, risks associated with stimulant medications, evidence-based non-stimulant pharmacologic therapies, emerging evidence regarding Bacopa monnieri as a complementary treatment option, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Aggregate pre- and post-educational assessments were used to evaluate changes in provider knowledge and confidence. Project findings demonstrated that the educational intervention successfully increased provider knowledge, confidence, and awareness of evidence-based non-stimulant treatment alternatives for patients with ADHD and comorbid anorexia nervosa. Participants demonstrated greater recognition of stimulant-associated risks, increased understanding of evidence-based prescribing strategies, enhanced awareness of Bacopa monnieri as a complementary therapy, and improved appreciation for multidisciplinary management. Post-intervention assessments demonstrated 100% correct responses, indicating achievement of the educational objectives. The project has important implications for psychiatric nursing practice by demonstrating that standardized provider education can strengthen evidence-based clinical decision-making, promote safer prescribing practices, improve early recognition of eating disorders, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Integrating this educational program into provider orientation, annual competency training, and continuing education initiatives may support long-term sustainability and contribute to improved quality of care and patient safety for individuals diagnosed with ADHD and comorbid anorexia nervosa. Continued evaluation of long-term prescribing behaviors and future patient outcomes is recommended to further assess the impact of this quality improvement initiative.

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