The Surprising Link Between ADHD and Binge Eating
If you have ADHD, you’re almost six times more likely to develop binge eating disorder.(1) Girls are 3.6 times more likely to have an eating disorder if they also have ADHD.(2) And 20% of children with ADHD also develop eating disorders.(3)
This is a recent area of research but those of you struggling with ADHD and binge eating are probably not surprised at all.
I know because I work with many individuals who come to me saying they’re binging uncontrollably and they’re also navigating what it means to have ADHD. And they can’t find the right help!
What’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a nutshell?
ADHD is characterized by three main areas:
Attention dysregulation: this used to be thought of as simply a lack of attention but is now seen as dysregulated attention.
Impulsivity: manifested as addictive behaviours, emotional dysregulation and risky behaviour.
Poor executive functioning: having a hard time managing time, being disorganized, having a low working memory (processing information in the moment) and making impulsive decisions.
Some people are also hyperactive.
Do people with ADHD binge eat?
In my clinical work, I see this so often. When someone with ADHD is struggling with both impulsivity AND having a hard time regulating their attention and emotions, this can lead to binging. Food becomes the “medication” to smooth over what feels like chaos in their mind (or boredom from being under stimulated).
Once the binge cycle starts, many people experience what is called “food noise,” the mental chatter in your mind that leads to cravings and feeling hungry when you’re not physically hungry. So what do you do? Use food to cope.
Can ADHD cause binge eating?
It seems to be a contributing factor. Many people use food as a coping mechanism when they’re feeling overwhelmed and dysregulated. Add to that someone whose brain is racing, emotions are turbulent and senses are in overdrive: one way to calm the chaos is to soothe it with food.
Does ADHD medication help with binge eating?
Medication for ADHD (stimulants) are sometimes used for those with ADHD and binge eating disorder, although there are downsides to taking medication.
For those who struggle with disordered eating, it can lead to stimulant dependence or developing a stimulant use disorder.
How to control binge eating with ADHD
There are so many ways counselling can help you understand the link between ADHD and binge eating, learn strategies to manage your emotions and practice non-food-related coping skills.
In my sessions with clients, we work on understanding hunger and fulness signals (which ones are physical and which are emotional), binge triggers, emotional regulation and I give you many practical nutrition strategies.
Online group for binge eating
I frequently run an online group for binge eating that is appropriate for those with ADHD. Registration is open for my next one starting in March 2025. Find out more here.
References
Nazar, B. P., Bernardes, C., Peachey, G., Sergeant, J., Mattos, P., & Treasure, J. (2016). The risk of eating disorders comorbid with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 49(12), 1045-1057.
Biederman, J., Ball, S. W., Monuteaux, M. C., Surman, C. B., Johnson, J. L., & Zeitlin, S. (2007). Are girls with ADHD at risk for eating disorders? Results from a controlled, five-year prospective study. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 28(4), 302-307.
Villa, F. M., Crippa, A., Rosi, E., Nobile, M., Brambilla, P., & Delvecchio, G. (2023). ADHD and eating disorders in childhood and adolescence: An updated minireview. Journal of Affective Disorders, 321, 265-271.