ADHD is a common neurological disorder that affects children and adults. The condition is often associated with restlessness, inattention, and impulsive behavior. However, research suggests that there is a link between ADHD and eating disorders.
Is there a link between ADHD and Eating Disorders?
In short, yes. There can be a link between ADHD and eating disorders. The link is a result of multiple factors. First, the symptoms of ADHD may make it difficult to plan healthy, sustaining meals. As a result, people with ADHD are at higher risk of developing an eating disorder.
Which Eating Disorders Are People with ADHD At Risk For?
People with ADHD have a higher risk of developing the following eating disorders:
- Bulimia,
- Anorexia nervosa,
- Binge eating
A Duke University study found that about 30 percent of adults with binge eating disorder have a history of ADHD.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder? Binge eating disorder is when an individual eats large amounts of food
in short periods, usually when they are not hungry. People who binge eat often feel that they do not have control over their eating habits. Binge eating episodes are typically followed by feelings of guilt or disgust with oneself.
Why Are People with ADHD At Risk for Eating Disorders?
Multiple factors suggest a connection between ADHD and eating disorders. They include the following:
The Brain’s Reward System 
A study showed that images of food stimulated the brain’s reward center at a higher level in people with ADHD than people in the same study who do not have been diagnosed with ADHD. In addition, the researchers discovered that this brain response could be why having ADHD increases the risk of developing an eating disorder.
Sensory Processing 
ADHD is often associated with irregularities in how the brain interprets signals and cues from the rest of the body. For instance, signals about hunger become distorted in those with ADHD. This can make it challenging to know when to stop eating or the opposite; one may not have an appetite.
Food Sensitivities 
Many people with ADHD are extremely sensitive; this sensitivity is called hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity is characterized as being extremely sensitive to the physical senses such as smell, taste, touch, or even the surrounding environment.
As a result, A hypersensitive person with ADHD could have more difficulty eating certain foods than someone who does not have ADHD. This can lead to food restriction behaviors. On the contrary, hypersensitivities can make a person with ADHD hypersensitive to foods they believe to taste good. This can put them at risk for binge eating.
ADHD Treatment
ADHD can sometimes be the root cause of eating disorder behaviors. As a result, treatment for ADHD can help to relieve symptoms linked to the eating disorder. There are various methods used to treat ADHD, they include:
- Medications
- Therapy
- Nutrition
- Social skill training
Professional care is vital to treating ADHD; a professional specializing in ADHD can determine what symptoms are related to ADHD and what symptoms relate to the eating disorder. This is key to finding effective treatment methods.
Are you looking for ADHD treatment in Houston, Texas? MyCHN offers ADHD treatment in Houston, Texas. Please visit our website or call (281) 824 – 1480 to learn more.
Bottom Line
Studies show that there is a link between ADHD and eating disorders. The symptoms of ADHD can make it hard to cook healthy prep meals. In addition, ADHD symptoms such as hypersensitivity can put people with ADHD at risk for showing signs of an eating disorder. Treatment for ADHD is can typically alleviate the symptoms of the eating disorder, as ADHD is sometimes the root cause.
Resources
ADHD and Eating Disorders | APSARD
ADHD as a Co-Occurring Disorder with Eating Disorders (eatingdisorderhope.com)
Brain Reward Response Linked to Binge Eating and ADHD – CHADD
Are Eating Disorders Related to Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? (nih.gov)
