Eating disorders can develop at any stage of life and stem from various genetic, psychological, and socioeconomic factors. Individuals with eating disorders often take extreme measures to control their weight or appearance, even if it leads to detrimental relationships with food, exercise, and loved ones. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurobehavioral disorder, can co-exist with eating disorders and, if not addressed, can lead to additional or worsening symptoms and impulses in both disorders.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental behavioral disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood, but often continues into adulthood. About 6.4 million children are diagnosed with ADHD, many of whom are diagnosed with it around the age of seven. However, about 4% of adults also have ADHD. Although this disorder is more common in males, the Harvard Medical Center concluded that females with ADHD had a four times greater chance of developing an eating disorder than girls without ADHD.
Some signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include having a hard time concentrating & managing behaviors, having difficulties communicating, being unable to sit still, and being overly active. As with eating disorders, ADHD can affect a person’s performance in social, academic, and employment settings.
Unhealthy eating behaviors or exercise patterns may occur as a way of dealing with the stress of ADHD. People who suffer from both an eating disorder and ADHD often feel that food and their appearance are some of the few things they can control and are often used as coping mechanisms to help them handle their overstimulation. Some people engage in disordered eating behaviors in an attempt to fit in and handle social settings. However, those with ADHD may have difficulties fitting in with their friends due to their behavioral issues.
About 30% of those with binge eating disorder also have ADHD. Eating large quantities of food at once or purging (for someone with bulimia nervosa) are compulsive behaviors that individuals with eating disorders engage in to cope with nerves, anger, or stress. Impulsive decisions are another way people with ADHD handle emotions, but they also may engage in binge-eating episodes to deal with boredom. People with ADHD may also be unaware of what and when they eat, which may lead to unstructured meals or overeating. Similarly, people with anorexia and ADHD may calm themselves down by not eating, as opposed to people with bulimia or binge eating disorder who find food to be relaxing.
Treating someone with an eating disorder and ADHD concurrently will help them learn to better manage their symptoms and behaviors. Because some people turn to disordered eating behaviors as a way to manage their ADHD, it is important that ADHD is addressed first in order to identify how ADHD affects the eating disorder. Although there is no definite cure for ADHD, treatment options typically involve medication trials to help control symptoms. Those with ADHD may also benefit from behavior therapy and psychotherapy, or by working with a therapist on social skills to appropriately react to certain behaviors.
When ADHD co-occurs with an eating disorder, it is important that patients work with medical professionals including a therapist, psychiatrist, or nutritionist who can help with these comorbid disorders. People with ADHD perform well with structure, so scheduling meals at designated times can be beneficial to someone with a concurrent eating disorder. Although there are medications for ADHD which may decrease a person’s appetite, these medications are typically not helpful in treating an eating disorder. There is only a small selection of medications approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center treats the spectrum of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, compulsive overeating, and other distorted eating behaviors and body image issues. Currently, we are offering a range of virtual programs and services which involve nutrition counseling, eating disorder therapy, and meal support. BALANCE offers clients four distinct levels of care to meet their specific treatment needs, including a day program, weeknight program, step-down groups, and individual nutrition services. BALANCE is proud to offer an array of free and low-cost virtual webinars and resources to help those struggling with eating disorders, distorted eating, and body image concerns. Click the button below to learn more about our programs and services.
Looking for eating disorder treatment programs or services in the New York City area? Learn more about our options at BALANCE eating disorder treatment center here or contact us here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Amanda Nussbaum.
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!
