If you’ve been struggling with both an eating disorder and ADHD, you’re not alone. Many people with ADHD face challenges with their eating habits—whether it’s impulsivity, emotional eating, or difficulty with routine. These challenges can sometimes overlap with or contribute to the development of an eating disorder, making the path to recovery feel even more complicated.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts a person’s ability to focus, control impulses, and maintain attention. ADHD can make it difficult to stay organized, follow through on tasks, or keep a routine—issues that can often affect eating habits and behaviors.

How ADHD Can Affect Eating Habits

ADHD symptoms can influence eating behaviors, such as:

• Impulsivity: Difficulty controlling impulses can lead to binge eating or eating large quantities of food in one sitting.
• Inattention: Lack of focus on meals might result in skipping meals or eating without paying attention to hunger cues.
• Hyperfocus: When someone with ADHD becomes overly focused on something (like a task or a project), they may forget to eat or neglect their own physical needs.
• Emotional Eating: People with ADHD may have a harder time managing their emotions and turn to food for comfort or to manage stress, leading to disordered eating patterns.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions where an individual’s relationship with food becomes unhealthy and distorted. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. These disorders often stem from deeper emotional struggles and can be exacerbated by conditions like ADHD.

How ADHD and Eating Disorders Overlap

• Impulsivity and Binge Eating: Impulsive behavior might lead to overeating or binge eating, a common issue for those struggling with eating disorders.
• Difficulty with Structure: People with ADHD might struggle to maintain regular eating schedules, leading to irregular or erratic eating patterns, which can contribute to or worsen eating disorders.
• Emotional Regulation: Since both ADHD and eating disorders involve challenges with emotional regulation, emotional eating or disordered eating may be used as coping mechanisms for managing difficult feelings.

Seeking Help: Navigating Treatment for Both ADHD and Eating Disorders

Seeking help for both ADHD and and ED is essential for recovery and 100% possible. If you’re dealing with both, the good news is that you don’t have to manage them on your own. Treatment can help you address both issues simultaneously. A comprehensive approach often involves therapy, medical support, and lifestyle changes tailored to your unique needs.

Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are often used to help individuals with eating disorders and ADHD, as they teach coping skills and emotional regulation strategies. Medication might also be considered to manage ADHD symptoms, while nutrition counseling can help you rebuild a healthier relationship with food.

Most of all, we hope that you know that you’re not alone, and recovery is possible. If you’re struggling with both ADHD and an eating disorder, reaching out for help can be life-changing. Our team at Evolve can help you address both aspects of your health and create a plan that works for you.

Evolve Wellness Group has both therapists and dietitians available to work with you. When you are ready to take the next step in your journey of healing from an eating disorder, we are here.

Reach out today for a complimentary intake phone call, where we can answer any questions you might have.