Those with ADHD who struggle with overeating or binge eating often feel ashamed or guilty about these eating habits. They feel like something is wrong with them, and they don't understand why they can't get it under control. They might blame themselves or feel embarrassed, leading to a cycle of negative emotions that affect their self-esteem. If you are in this struggle, you don't have to do this alone. Binge eating disorder treatment can make a massive difference. I want to help provide insight into the connection between ADHD and overeating or binge eating.
ADHD and overeating can go hand in hand. People with ADHD often face challenges with self-regulation, which can spill over into irregular eating patterns. Self-regulation is our ability to manage and control our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and impulses in different situations. It involves the capacity to monitor and modify our actions, reactions, and attention to goals or respond appropriately in different situations.
Challenges of ADHD and eating
Forgetfulness around meal times due to attention difficulties can disrupt the routine of regular eating schedules. This inconsistency in meal times can throw off the body's hunger and fullness cues. When meals are missed or delayed, the body might compensate by triggering intense hunger and cravings. This is normal for anyone who is not eating regularly. This heightened hunger can lead to overeating or a binge episode. Another thing to keep in mind is that a lack of structure around meals due to attention challenges might lead to mindless eating or grazing throughout the day. There are no morals around this type of eating, and you’re not doing anything wrong or bad because you do it. This type of eating just may increase the likelihood of binging or overeating. Without the focus or awareness of planned meals, individuals with ADHD might snack excessively or consume larger portions during unplanned eating episodes, and this can be physically and emotionally uncomfortable.
Difficulty with hunger and fullness cues
Some people with ADHD might find it hard to understand when they're hungry or full. This confusion can arise from disruptions in brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, affecting how the body signals hunger and satisfaction. It's like their "fullness" message doesn't come through clearly, leading to difficulties in knowing when they've eaten enough. Certain brain areas responsible for controlling appetite might not work as well in people with ADHD. This can delay or weaken the signals that tell them they're full, making it tough to judge when to stop eating.
ADHD and Medications
Another point to consider is, that medications used for ADHD, such as stimulants, might also play a role. Some people might feel less hungry when taking these meds, causing them to eat less. On the flip side, as the effects of the medication wear off, others might experience increased hunger or cravings, which could lead to overeating during those periods.
Coping with emotions
When individuals with ADHD feel stressed or experience difficult emotions, they might seek comfort in food to feel better momentarily. They tend to gravitate towards foods that activate the brain's pleasure system, providing a temporary boost in mood and relief. These foods, often ones rich in flavors or textures that they find enjoyable, can create a brief sense of comfort and relief from emotional distress. It's a natural response to seek out these foods as a way to cope with difficult feelings.
However, relying solely on food to manage emotions can make it difficult to feel emotions that need to be felt and explored. The quick relief these foods offer doesn't address the underlying stress or emotions (again nothing wrong with doing this. It’s human), leading to a cycle of seeking similar foods whenever they encounter stress or emotional turmoil. Never using food as a way of coping or self-soothing isn’t realistic nor is it human. However, adding more coping skills to deal with emotions can be helpful.
Working with an eating disorder therapist is a big part of being able to work through binge episodes and overeating. Binge eating disorder treatment can help you develop skills and understand the underlying reasons you might be binging or overeating.
Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can help
If you're in Utah and struggling with a binge eating disorder, seeking treatment can be life-changing, and I'm not being dramatic. Binge eating disorder treatment isn't just about addressing the behaviors; it's about understanding yourself better and working through the shame that can come from how you eat. Working with an eating disorder therapist offers a safe space to unravel all that goes into your relationship with food and eating. I'm here to help you learn to cope and most of all to be more compassionate with yourself. You deserve to find relief from binging.
Work with an eating disorder therapist in Utah
You don’t have to feel trapped inside your brain and your body. You don’t have to keep hating yourself for the way you eat. Binge eating disorder treatment can help. This Utah Eating Disorder Clinic has an eating disorder therapist specializing in binge eating disorder. To begin counseling follow the steps below:
Meet with a binge eating disorder therapist
Start improving your relationship with food
Online eating disorder therapy
Opting for online therapy in Utah presents many advantages. Firstly, it's remarkably convenient and flexible. No more battling bad weather or traffic jams during commutes. Online counseling allows you to connect with an eating disorder therapist from the comfort of your own space. Most of all, it eliminates the barrier of not having an eating disorder therapist in your down. Regardless of your location or physical limitations, online therapy makes eating disorder recovery much more accessible.
Online counseling also means I work with clients all over the state of Utah including Heber City, Provo, Logan, Salt Lake City, St. George, Cedar City, and more.
About the Author
Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is an eating disorder professional and the founder of Maple Canyon Therapy in Utah originally founded in Spanish Fork, Utah off of Main Street by Glade’s drive-in but is now an online therapy clinic. With extensive experience in treating eating disorders, Ashlee holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Family Life and Human Development, both earned from Southern Utah University. Her dedication to the field led her to achieve a Master's degree in Social Work from Utah State University. Ashlee's expertise spans all levels of eating disorder treatment, showcasing her comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. Her compassionate and client-centered approach solidifies her reputation as a trusted and skilled eating disorder professional, offering empathetic therapy services in Utah.