ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects children and adults of all ages and sexes. It is a condition which mainly results in having difficulties with impulse control, hyper-activity and attention. Research indicates those with ADHD have higher percentage rates of having certain eating disorders.

The finding was reported in a 2018 study which was published in Psychiatry Research, where it determined there was a link in ADHD to bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder (BED).

Eating disorders can have very harmful affects of physical, emotional and mental health because of the unhealthy and unrealistic attitudes related to food, eating and body image.

Connection of ADHD and Eating Disorders

The 2018 study indicated a link between ADHD and bulimia and BED. It was concluded that the connection in these conditions were due to the presentation of other psychiatric disorders. It was also noted that anorexia and ADHD was not scene to be interconnected.

Although research shows a link of ADHD to eating disorders. This relationship is not a definitive conclusion in all cases.

The common various types of eating disorders are:

• Bulimia nervosa is known as bulimia which a person will binge on large amounts of food in a short time frame then will purge the meal(s) as a compensation devise by vomiting or using laxatives.

• Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is much like bulimia but without the compensation purging activity.

• Anorexia nervosa is where an individual will avoid and severely limit their intake of food by adhering to only what is known as “safe” foods.

All of these conditions have pre-existing psychological behavioral conditions that go along with these unhealthy eating regimes.

Overeating Practices and ADHD

Experts correlate ADHD and eating disorders by looking at the shared behaviors that both conditions engage.

Mainly that both bulimia and BED are both looked at as being an impulsive behavior. An ADHD individuals most hallmark behavior, along with inattention and hyperactivity, is a lack of impulse control.

It can also be said that many people simply over eat because they seek more stimulation.

Eating disorders can develop when a person engages in overeating activity because of the inability to control their impulses. When this practice becomes a regular event over time, the feeling of self guilt and shame associated with it can begin to complicate the problem.

Someone with ADHD can show signs of a dopamine deficiency and therefore can use food as a source of reward mechanism from which they derive motivation.

Common Symptoms and Signs of ADHD and Eating Disorders

ADHD share some similar symptoms as other conditions like anxiety, depression, learning disorders and sleep issues.

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists the criteria for diagnosis for ADHD as follows:

• five or more symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness lasting more than 6 months

• displaying two or more of these symptoms in two settings, like school. work and at home

• these symptoms having negative impact on productivity and performance, in social and private life.

• showing several symptoms before the age of 12 years

The two eating disorders associated with ADHD are bulimia and BED according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The symptoms for Bulimia nervosa are:

• lack of control during episodes of eating

• a habit of overeating large amounts of food in a short period of time

• adopting an overly critical view of body image and fixation with weight and shape

• utilizing unhealthy practice of compensation behavior of vomiting, using laxatives or excessive exercising.

A bulimia diagnosis brings with it physical signs such as:

• swollen salivary glands of the neck and jaw

• GI tract issues from use of laxatives and excess acids

• constant stomach acid exposure over time that leads to tooth sensitivity and decay.

• chronic sore throat

• mineral imbalances and electrolyte deficiencies which can cause other life threatening events

Binge eating disorder symptoms

• eating even when uncomfortably full

• eating alone to avoid embarrassment and ridicule

• eating too quickly when binging

• constantly dieting when weight is not an issue

• feelings of guilt and shame about food

ADHD and Eating Disorders in the Sexes

Research shows that BED effects males and females statistically about the same. Those with ADHD show a prevalence for over eating more than restrictive food behaviors. So it turns out that in this case males with ADHD overeat and are at risk for binge eating behavior more than females with ADHD.

On the other hand, females with ADHD are at greater risk for developing eating disorders overall than males. Partially because males generally don’t get treatment or seek diagnosis for the condition.

Treatment for ADHD and Eating Disorder

Most ADHD and eating disorders require a combination of medication, talk therapy based treatment and /or neurofeedback. It is always advisable to seek professional help. There are good methods available that can help someone break the destructive cycle. It’s best to implement these therapies early on once someone has been diagnosed.

Therapy can help to establish a better understanding of the severity of the condition and come up with strategic ways to correct or manage the condition.

Neurofeedback will establish a more optimal brainwave state to support the brain to hold the positive changes being made by focusing in on the brain regions that are most effected.

-A Balance Brain is a Better Brain-