ADHD & Binge Eating: Understanding the Connection

What Is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and persists throughout the lifespan. ADHD includes symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or both that impact the ability to function optimally in various contexts. People with ADHD often have issues with concentration, focus, impulse control, organization, and following directions.

What Is Binge Eating?

Binge eating refers to eating excessive amounts of food in a short amount of time. Individuals experience a loss of control when eating, and they often feel great shame and discomfort during these episodes. People with binge eating disorder have at least one weekly episode without any compensatory behaviors. Conversely, those with bulimia engage in behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting after episodes.

ADHD & Binge Eating: What Is the Connection?

Binge eating occurs in a significantly higher number of individuals with ADHD than the general population, with estimates finding roughly 30% of adults with binge eating also have a history of ADHD. These connections may stem from specific symptoms of ADHD, such as executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and low dopamine levels.

Below are possible connections between ADHD and binge eating:

Dopamine Deficiency

Individuals with ADHD may experience problems with dopamine-related deficiencies in the brain. Because dopamine is responsible for pleasure and satisfaction, resulting lows may lead to those with ADHD seeking satisfaction through binge eating. They may develop a “dopamine addiction” to high-carbohydrate and high-fat foods that produce immediate dopamine boosts.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity is a common symptom of ADHD that can contribute to an increased risk of binge eating for several reasons. First, impulsivity can relate to delay aversion, meaning individuals may crave the instant gratification food provides.¹ Those with ADHD may also seek fast food options rather than planning and preparing a meal at home.

Impulsivity can also relate to difficulty controlling thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.¹ In turn, stopping an enjoyable activity like eating can prove challenging for individuals with ADHD. Once the thought or behavior starts, they may continue to eat, even when satisfied.

Inattention

Inattention in ADHD can cause planning and memory challenges that contribute to irregular eating patterns, including binge eating.¹ Individuals with ADHD may not notice or even ignore hunger and satiety cues, waiting until they are very hungry to eat or eating past fullness.

Emotional Dysregulation

People with both ADHD and binge eating disorder tend to exhibit signs of emotional dysregulation, which refers to difficulties with managing emotions appropriately. Lower levels of this skill may lead to self-destructive or impulsive binge eating patterns.²

Executive Dysfunction

Executive dysfunction affects the ability to control behaviors and thoughts. People with executive dysfunction may hyperfocus, daydream, become quickly distracted, or have difficulties initiating, transitioning from, or completing tasks. They may also be more prone to issues with impulse control, which can result in binge eating tendencies.

ADHD Medications

People with ADHD may be prone to binging due to stimulant medications. Many of these prescriptions suppress appetite, with many people reporting binge eating after Adderall wears off. At this point, they become aware of their hunger (possibly after not eating all day), causing them to feel more susceptible to overeating.

Hyperfixation

Hyperfixation may increase the urge to eat the same food as often as possible. In some cases, the cravings for a particular food can mimic that of an obsession. This behavior is not inherently bad but can lead to disordered eating habits and binge episodes.

ADHD Paralysis

ADHD paralysis refers to the phenomenon of feeling overwhelmed by a specific task. This experience can happen quickly, possibly resulting in brain fog, significant procrastination, rigid behavior, and behavioral meltdowns. People may binge eat in response to this discomfort, as food can provide an initial soothing and numbing effect.

Is Binge Eating a Symptom of ADHD?

Binge eating is not a classic symptom of ADHD and does not indicate a diagnosis. However, many mental health professionals have highlighted the link between ADHD and binge eating. Therefore, criteria may change because of increased awareness and recognition of the intersection between eating disorders and ADHD.

Can ADHD Cause Food Addiction?’

Although a link between ADHD and compulsive eating exists, assuming ADHD causes eating disorders or addictive tendencies is too simple. Instead, ADHD is likely a significant risk factor that increases susceptibility to disordered eating habits. However, not everyone with ADHD has a food addiction, and vice versa.

Complications of ADHD & Binge Eating

The co-occurring nature of ADHD and binge eating can affect every aspect of functioning, including physical health, self-esteem, emotional well-being, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships. The exact consequences will depend on numerous factors, such as the severity of each condition, the intensity of specific symptoms, and current support.

Possible impacts of binge eating for those with ADHD include:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Binge eating may coincide with deficiencies in certain micronutrients, which can cause health issues.
• Weight fluctuations: Binge eating episodes may cause dramatic weight gain. As a result, some people may experience low self-esteem or shame.
• Depression: Binge eating can be shameful, sometimes triggering or magnifying symptoms of depression.
• Emotional dysregulation: Binge eating may perpetuate themes of emotional dysregulation, which can intensify ADHD symptoms.

ADHD & Eating Disorders

There is a relationship between having ADHD and food issues, and ADHD may contribute to the development of eating disorders. Research has found that people with ADHD experience increased brain activity when looking at pictures of food, and those with binge eating disorders may be more sensitive and vulnerable to food-related rewards.³

Common co-occurring eating disorders with ADHD include:

• Bulimia nervosa: ADHD and bulimia often co-occur, as individuals with ADHD may engage in binge eating to boost dopamine or cope with emotional dysregulation.
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): AFRID refers to extreme avoidance/aversion to eating certain types of food. People with ADHD sometimes have sensitivities to textures and particular tastes, meaning they may gravitate toward restrictive eating habits associated with ARFID.
• Anorexia nervosa: Some people with ADHD also meet the criteria for anorexia, which refers to persistently restricting food in an attempt to lose or maintain low body weight.

How Are ADHD & Binge Eating Diagnosed?

A qualified mental health professional can diagnose ADHD and binge eating disorders. Assessment tends to be multifaceted and may include self-reported symptoms, formal questionnaires, and physical exams (to rule out potential medical issues). While symptoms can sometimes overlap, discerning which symptoms coincide with each disorder is essential for providing accurate treatment and support.

ADHD & Binge Eating Treatment

Treatment for ADHD and disordered eating habits will likely include a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Untreated ADHD could be a barrier to treating binge eating and vice versa. Because of this, mental health professionals will help the individual focus on improving both ADHD symptoms and binge eating behavior to support overall wellness and success.

Therapy

Working with professionals familiar with binge eating and ADHD is essential when seeking support. You can find a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who can explore treatment options with you to develop a comprehensive plan. A first step would be to use an online therapist directory or consider online therapy platforms. A therapist can help you feel safe as you develop positive coping mechanisms.

Therapy options for ADHD and binge eating include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for ADHD helps individuals understand how their thoughts and emotions affect behavior. Replacing negative thought patterns with healthy alternatives can lead to long-lasting behavioral changes, such as decreased binge eating habits.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is rooted in mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. Integrating these concepts can improve symptoms of both binge eating and ADHD.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on clarifying values and practicing themes of mindfulness to boost self-esteem and promote positive decision-making.
• Family therapy: Family therapy can help minors or young adults experiencing ADHD and binge eating. This approach focuses on how the entire unit can strengthen boundaries and support the individual with ADHD.
• Nutritional counseling: Nutritional counseling may help provide education and support to address symptoms associated with ADHD and binge eating. A registered dietitian can also help individuals develop and adhere to healthy meal plans.
• Intuitive eating principles: Principles of intuitive or mindful eating may help address inattention to hunger and fullness related to ADHD and binge eating.

Medication

The only FDA-approved medication for binge eating and ADHD is Vyvanse. This medication is a controlled substance that can help reduce binge urges and improve symptoms of ADHD. Other off-label options for binge eating disorder may include antidepressants (if there is a co-occurring mood or anxiety disorder), topiramate, naltrexone, and semaglutide. Review potential benefits and side effects with your physician.

How to Cope With ADHD & Binge Eating

Learning how to control binge eating in ADHD can be challenging. However, you can take steps to cope with challenges as they arise. Finding natural ways to increase dopamine throughout your day may help prevent binge eating by addressing the role of the reward circuit in the brain.

Here are seven tips to help you cope with binge eating with ADHD:

1. Practice healthy eating habits: Scheduling and eating smaller, frequent meals may help reduce binge eating episodes in ADHD. Make space for various foods to avoid restriction, which can lead to boredom and dopamine seeking through binging. Practicing mindfulness while eating may also help you recognize hunger and fullness cues.
2. Exercise regularly: Research shows exercise for mental health works. Practice joyful movements that highlight pleasure, choice, flexibility, celebration, and intuition, such as yoga and dance.
3. Maintain a sleep routine: Regular, high-quality sleep can help balance dopamine levels. Good sleep hygiene and a healthy bedtime routine are important in coping with binge eating and ADHD.
4. Try meditation: Meditation for ADHD means paying attention to the present moment without judgment, and these practices can also boost dopamine. You can find online meditation routines or start with a simple technique, like box breathing.
5. Listen to music: Listening to music you love can increase dopamine levels. Music-based therapies, including the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), can also support symptom management when coping with ADHD and binge eating.
6. Soak up the sun: Sunlight is a natural dopamine booster. Consider taking a walk on your lunch break, sitting on your porch, or positioning your desk closer to a window to soak up the rays.
7. Spend time in nature: Humans gravitate toward other living things, including plants and animals. Connecting with nature or with your pets can help increase dopamine.