Eating Disorders & ADHD
By Amanda Seiler-Adams, LCSW at Opal Sky Therapy
Okay, let’s be real—having ADHD is like juggling flaming swords while someone yells random trivia questions at you. Now toss an eating disorder into the mix, and suddenly it feels like your brain and body are running two completely different marathons at the same time. Exhausting, right?
If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I just get it together with food?” or “Why does my brain always push me toward all-or-nothing thinking?” – you’re not alone. If there’s one thing those with eating disorders and those with ADHD have in common, it’s perfectionism. I’ve been working with eating disorders for many years and have seen many people in my practice who struggle with both active eating disorders and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. What’s interesting is the overlap in impulsivity and emotion deregulation. It’s so important to empathize with those individuals who struggle with ADHD, as it can truly be a debilitating experience.
In my practice, I feel it’s so important to wrap these kinds of clients in care and empower each and every one of them to be kind to themselves. One observation I’ve made is that both of these challenges appear to stem from difficulty in delaying gratification or controlling impulses. Eating disorders, especially binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, often involve impulsive eating behaviors (e.g., binge eating, purging). And those with ADHD may struggle to regulate eating due to poor impulse control. “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder (BED) are two distinct conditions that frequently co-occur, sharing overlapping neurobiological and behavioral features. Research indicates that individuals with ADHD are at a heightened risk for developing BED, with studies suggesting that up to 30% of those with BED also have ADHD” (Within Health, 2024).
“Both ADHD and BED involve dysregulation in the brain’s reward and executive function systems. ADHD is characterized by impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and deficits in executive functioning, which can impair decision-making and self-control. These traits may lead individuals to use food as a coping mechanism, resulting in episodes of binge eating” (Eating Recovery Center, 2024).
So, what can I do if I struggle with both an eating disorder and ADHD?
Structure is Your Secret Weapon (But Keep It Flexible)
- ADHD brains love novelty and hate rigid rules, which makes food routines tricky. Instead of forcing yourself into an extreme “perfect meal plan,” try building loose structure.
- Set reminders to eat—yes, even if you “don’t feel hungry.” (ADHD time blindness is real!).
- Have go-to snack stashes in your bag, car, or desk so you don’t end up skipping meals and then bingeing later.
- Think of it less like a strict menu and more like giving Future You a head start.
Outsmart All-Or-Nothing Thinking
- With ADHD, impulsivity coupled with an eating disorder can sound like: “I already messed up lunch, so the whole day’s ruined.” Spoiler: it’s not ruined.
- Catch that black-and-white thinking and replace it with: “One meal doesn’t define my whole day.” – or – “I can always choose my next bite.”
- Tiny mental reframes keep you from spiraling down the rabbit hole.
Use ADHD Hacks for Recovery
- Already have an ADHD toolbox? If so, it totally works here too!
- Timers + alarms = regular meals.
- Having a friend or even a Zoom buddy while you cook/eat can be super-helpful so you don’t skip a meal.
- Visual cues = leaving fruit on the counter or prepped meals in clear containers so you actually see and remember them.
Therapy That Gets Both Sides
- Not all therapists “get” the ADHD and an eating disorder combo, but finding one who does can change the game.
- Look into CBT or DBT for managing unhelpful thoughts.
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for building self-compassion when your brain feels like chaos.
- ADHD coaching for realistic routines that don’t feel like punishment.
Radical Compassion versus Harsh Discipline
- Here’s the truth: shame fuels both ADHD struggles and eating disorders. The harder you come down on yourself for “failing,” the more stuck you feel. Try swapping discipline for compassion.
- Ask yourself: “What would I say to my best friend if they were going through this?” -or – “What does my body actually need right now?”
Spoiler: the answer is never “another round of self-criticism.”
Implications for Treatment
Given the shared features between ADHD and BED, treatment approaches often overlap. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective for both conditions, addressing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. Additionally, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD may also help reduce binge eating behaviors. It’s essential for healthcare providers to screen for both ADHD and BED when treating individuals with disordered eating behaviors, as addressing both conditions concurrently can lead to more effective outcomes.
What holds true is that the correlation between ADHD and BED underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, considering the interplay between neurobiological factors and behavioral patterns.
Final Thought
Managing ADHD and an eating disorder at the same time isn’t about becoming a hyper-disciplined robot – it’s about working with your brain, not against it. Small steps, realistic hacks, and a whole lot of self-kindness can make the messy middle feel a little less overwhelming. And hey, if all else fails? Remember: you don’t need to “get it perfect.” You just need to keep showing up for yourself, one meal, one moment at a time.
References
Eating Recovery Center. (2024, August 9). ADHD, food aversion and eating disorders: The neurospicy link explained. Eating Recovery Center. https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/resources/adhd-eating-disorders
Within Health. (2024, May 8). The relationship between ADHD and binge eating disorder. Within Health. https://withinhealth.com/learn/articles/the-relationship-between-adhd-and-binge-eating-disorder?
