If you or someone you love struggles with binge eating, you might wonder if it’s related to diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD. Living with ADHD and binge eating can make every single day hard for those who are struggling. You might feel like your thoughts are always racing, making it hard to focus, and then dealing with intense emotions that swing back and forth. You might find it hard to control being impulsive, and sometimes that leads to binge eating. It's frustrating when you don't want to keep doing this but the urge to binge feels overpowering and it happens so fast, leaving you feeling guilty and ashamed afterward. The cycle of feeling out of control with eating and struggling with ADHD symptoms can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions, affecting your self-esteem and overall mental health. You might feel isolated, wondering if anyone truly understands the daily struggle of dealing with both ADHD and binge eating. Binge eating disorder treatment can help in managing both.
Having ADHD can impact your life in many ways. Many have wondered if there is a connection between ADHD and binge eating. It's like a knot in your life where things like being impulsive, having strong emotions, and struggling to focus can sometimes lead to eating too much at once. Dealing with both ADHD and binge eating can make things feel overwhelming. Understanding how these two things are linked helps us figure out why binge eating happens and how it affects you. Learning about this connection can be a big help in managing both ADHD and binge eating, making life a bit easier overall. It's not just knowing they're linked; it's about finding ways to support you if you're, dealing with both ADHD and binge eating, so you can understand and handle things better.
Are people with ADHD more likely to binge eat?
Having ADHD might make some people more likely to struggle with binge eating. It can be linked to difficulties with self-control and managing emotions, which can make it more difficult to be in tune with their hunger and fullness. Some people with ADHD might turn to food for comfort or to cope with feelings of restlessness or stress. However, not everyone with ADHD will have binge eating issues—it varies from person to person. Getting help and support, like binge eating disorder treatment or eating disorder therapy can make a difference.
Is there a correlation between ADHD and overeating?
Yes, there can be a connection between ADHD and overeating. Some people with ADHD might struggle with overeating or irregular eating patterns. This can be because ADHD can affect self-regulation, making it challenging to manage impulses, including those related to eating. Additionally, difficulties in attention and focus might lead to forgetfulness around meals, and irregular eating schedules, causing irregular eating habits. Not eating consistently will lead to more intense cravings and hunger, which may lead to eating past fullness. While not everyone with ADHD experiences overeating, for some, it can be a way to cope with emotions or stress. Understanding this correlation can help people with ADHD develop strategies to manage eating habits and seek support.
Does binging mask ADHD?
Binging itself doesn't mask ADHD, but it might sometimes be linked to ADHD symptoms that haven't been diagnosed. Binging—overeating in a short time with a loss of control—can sometimes be a response to emotions or stress, which can be more common in those with ADHD. Sometimes, people might use food to cope with feelings related to ADHD, like rejection, stress, or frustration. However, binging doesn't hide or cover up ADHD itself; instead, it might be a behavior connected to how someone copes with their ADHD symptoms or emotions. Understanding this link can help find ways to manage both ADHD and any related eating concerns.
do people with ADHD use binging as a way to cope?
Yes, some people with ADHD might use binging as a way to cope with their emotions or challenges linked to ADHD. Binge eating can be a way of dealing with emotions or even a way of procrastinating something that isn't rewarding to those with ADHD. It might temporarily provide comfort or a distraction from these feelings. However, not everyone with ADHD copes in this way—each person's response and coping methods can be different.
Binge eating as a coping skill isn't something just those with ADHD do. Many people, regardless of whether they have ADHD or not, might turn to binge eating as a way to deal with tough emotions. It can be a response to stress, sadness, or other difficult feelings, providing temporary comfort or distraction to many people regardless of diagnosis. While some people with ADHD might use binge eating to cope, it's essential to recognize that many others, without ADHD also engage in this behavior as a way of managing painful emotions
Why do people with ADHD binge eat at night?
Several factors might contribute to those with ADHD tending to binge eat at night. Firstly, the evening hours might be when the effects of ADHD, such as difficulties in managing impulses or emotions, become more noticeable or challenging to handle. As the day winds down, stressors might accumulate, making it harder to regulate eating habits. Additionally, for some people with ADHD, the structure and routine of the day may begin to fade in the evenings, leading to less structured eating patterns or more impulsivity. Lack of structure or routine can sometimes trigger binge eating. NIghtime can be a time when there are fewer distractions, which might bring up stronger emotions or restlessness, making it more likely to seek comfort through binge eating.
Nighttime binge eating isn't exclusive to those with ADHD; it's a pattern that many people who struggle with binge eating experience, whether they have ADHD or not. Evening hours often come with a sense of relaxation or winding down after the day. This time can trigger emotional eating habits or a binge episode for many people especially those who have been dieting or restrdicting. The stress of the day, feeling tired or low in energy, or having more free time at night can make you more vulnerable to binging at nighttime. People who feel tired, boredom, or other emotions tend to surface during quieter nighttime hours, prompting some to turn to food for comfort or distraction. The lack of external demands or responsibilities at night might also make it easier for some to binge eat.
Do people with ADHD get fixated on certain foods?
Yes, it's common for some individuals with ADHD to become fixated on specific foods. This fixation can stem from symptoms of ADHD, which might involve having intense interests or preferences. Sometimes, these fixations extend to certain foods, often those that offer instant gratification or sensory experience. Eating these foods can trigger the brain's reward system, providing a sense of comfort or pleasure, which might be particularly appealing to those with ADHD who seek stimulation or struggle with being impulsive. However, not everyone with ADHD experiences this fixation, and the intensity or type of fixation on certain foods is different for everyone.
Sometimes, people with ADHD might really want certain foods because they were told they couldn't have them before. When there were strict rules about what they could eat, these foods became super appealing. So now, when they can have those foods, they might really, really want them a lot. It's like they're making up for not having them before. This strong desire for specific foods can stick around because of past dieting or restrictions
Some people with ADHD might only eat certain foods because they want to lose weight t or because they think those foods are healthier. Being focused on only eating certain foods can come from a belief that foods are "good" or "bad. They might believe it'll help them lose weight fast or improve their body image. This kind of eating can look like how someone with an eating disorder acts—strict rules about what they eat. However, not everyone with ADHD who eats this way has an eating disorder. It might just mean they need some help to have a healthier approach to food and eating.
Some people with ADHD might limit their food choices because of a condition called ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). This eating disorder can make someone very picky about what they eat, often due to sensory issues, worries about the food's taste or texture, or fears of choking or getting sick. For those with ADHD, these challenges might overlap, making it harder to try new foods or feel comfortable eating a variety of foods. This selective eating might seem like pickiness, but it's more complex and could be related to ARFID, where certain foods are avoided or restricted, leading to a limited diet.
Why do people with ADHD have cravings?
People with ADHD might experience cravings for a few reasons. One reason is related to dopamine, a chemical in the brain that helps regulate emotions and pleasure. In ADHD, there can be differences in dopamine levels or how the brain uses dopamine, leading to eating foods that provide instant pleasure or satisfaction. Cravings might also stem from difficulties in coping with emotions or controlling impulses. Sometimes, specific foods can trigger the brain's reward system, providing a temporary sense of comfort or pleasure, which can be appealing for someone with ADHD seeking this. These cravings might also be linked to trying to manage stress or restlessness, where certain foods might feel like they quickly get rid of those feelings temporarily.
Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah to help you stop binge eating
Binge eating disorder treatment can help you if you have ADHD and struggle with binge eating. It's not just about changing how you eat—it's about understanding your feelings and urges better. For someone with ADHD, handling these feelings can be hard, but therapy teaches you ways to manage these big emotions without turning to binge eating. Eating disorder therapy also helps you create more structure in your life and in turn prevent binge eating episodes. Working with an eating disorder therapist can help you with the tools and support to manage both ADHD and binge eating, so you can feel better about food and yourself.
Start working with an eating disorder therapist in Utah
You don’t have to keep struggling in the cycle of binge eating over and over again. You don’t have to wake up every morning committing to do better only to binge again that night. Binge eating disorder treatment can help you get out of this cycle. This Utah Eating Disorder Clinic has a binge eating disorder therapist who specializes in binge eating disorder. To begin counseling follow the steps below:
Meet with an eating disorder therapist
Find relief from binge eating
Online eating disorder therapy in Utah
Choosing online therapy in Utah can be a game-changer for your eating disorder recovery. It offers you the ability to be more flexible with your schedule and you don't have to travel far to meet with an eating disorder therapist who has the specialized training to help you get better. You can meet with a therapist from the comfort and convenience of your own space. Whether you're managing an eating disorder alongside ADHD or seeking help for any eating concerns, online therapy provides a safe and confidential space to explore emotions, find better ways of coping, and build a positive relationship with food. Take this step towards healing and discover the support you deserve, right at your fingertips.
Online counseling also means I work with women anywhere in Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Salt Lake City, Logan, and more.
About the Author
Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is the dedicated founder of Maple Canyon Therapy, a practice committed to providing comprehensive care in Utah. With extensive experience in treating eating disorders, Ashlee brings a wealth of expertise and a heartfelt commitment to assisting individuals on their path to recovery.
Ashlee earned dual bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Family Life and Human Development from Southern Utah University. Furthering her education, she obtained a master's degree in Social Work from Utah State University, solidifying her foundation in mental health treatment.
Throughout her career, Ashlee has worked across all levels of eating disorder treatment, gaining valuable experience in various therapeutic settings. Her specialized focus on treating binge eating disorder has been central to her practice. Ashlee's comprehensive approach, rooted in empathy and understanding, enables her to effectively support individuals struggling with binge eating disorder.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility in mental health care, Ashlee has integrated online therapy into her practice, extending her services to individuals throughout Utah. Her dedication to providing quality therapy, combined with her expertise in eating disorder treatment, makes her a compassionate and trusted resource for those seeking support on their journey toward healing.