Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition. Research has shown a link between ADHD and certain eating disorders.
For instance, a 2018 study in
Eating disorders are a type of mental health condition that can have serious negative consequences on a person’s mental and physical health. People with eating disorders display harmful behaviors and attitudes in relation to food, eating, and body image.
Keep reading to learn about the link between eating disorders and ADHD, including who is at risk and the treatment options.
Research suggests that there is a link between ADHD and some, but not all, eating disorders.
There are various types of eating disorders,
- Bulimia nervosa: A person with this eating disorder, known as bulimia, will binge on large amounts of food in a short space of time and then “compensate” by exercising excessively or purging, which may involve vomiting or using laxatives.
- Binge eating disorder (BED): This is similar to bulimia, but people do not engage in compensatory behaviors.
- Anorexia nervosa: People with anorexia nervosa, known as anorexia, severely restrict their food intake, and they may rely on a limited number of “safe” foods.
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Help is available
Eating disorders can severely affect the quality of life of people living with these conditions and those close to them. Early intervention and treatment greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
Anyone who suspects they or a loved one may have an eating disorder can contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, which offers a daytime helpline staffed by licensed therapists and an online search tool for treatment options.
For general mental health support at any time, people can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24 hours a day at 1-800-662-4357 (or 1-800-487-4889 for TTY).
Many other resources are also available, including:
- The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
- F.E.A.S.T., which provides support and educational resources to friends and family who want to help someone living with an eating disorder
The hallmarks of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Both bulimia and BED involve binge eating, which people consider an impulsive behavior.
People with ADHD may also overeat because they are seeking stimulation.
When someone has ADHD, their brain may be lacking dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in reward and motivation. Therefore, they may sometimes use food to achieve a dopamine hit.
Problems arise when regular overeating causes feelings of self-loathing, distress, and an inability to control the behavior. When this occurs, the behavior can develop into an eating disorder.
ADHD
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) outlines the diagnostic criteria for a wide range of mental health conditions. It lists the
- five or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, inattention, or both, lasting at least 6 months
- several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms before the age of 12 years
- several symptoms in two or more settings — for example, at home and at school or work
- the symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social, school, or work capabilities
- the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic criteria for another mental health condition
In children aged up to 16 years, six or more symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity must be present for at least 6 months.
According to the
Bulimia nervosa
The symptoms of bulimia include:
- eating unusually large amounts of food in a discrete period
- a sense of loss of control during the eating episodes
- harmful compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative misuse
- self-criticism of body shape or weight
Additionally, the physical signs of bulimia can include:
- chronically inflamed and sore throat
- swollen salivary glands in the neck and jaw
- worn tooth enamel and increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth due to stomach acid exposure
- acid reflux disorder and other gastrointestinal problems
- intestinal distress and irritation from laxative abuse
- severe dehydration from purging fluids
- electrolyte imbalance — meaning excessively high or low levels of sodium, calcium, potassium, and other minerals — which can lead to stroke or heart attack
Binge eating disorder
The symptoms of BED include:
- eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific period
- eating even when full or not hungry
- eating quickly during binge episodes
- eating until uncomfortably full
- eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment
- feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about eating
- frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss
Females have a
However, this does not mean that eating disorders cannot affect males, who are less likely to seek a diagnosis and treatment.
For example, BED affects males and females at
Healthcare professionals commonly prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD. About
Some medications can treat both ADHD and eating disorders.
For instance,
Most treatment protocols for mental health conditions include both mediation and psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular and effective form of talk therapy that may be helpful for people with eating disorders and ADHD.
In a 2018 study in the Journal of Attention Disorders, researchers found that CBT could reduce ADHD symptoms, improve executive function, and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. These benefits continued for at least 5 months after stopping therapy.
A 2019 study in
Research shows a link between ADHD and certain eating disorders, such as bulimia and BED. ADHD does not appear to have an association with anorexia.
This may be due to the fact that overeating is an impulsive behavior, while undereating is a restrictive behavior.
Alongside talk therapy, the drug lisdexamfetamine dimesylate can help treat ADHD and BED. If a person has symptoms of ADHD or an eating disorder, they should contact a doctor.