People with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) use different ways to cope with their emotions, and some may turn to binge eating or overeating as a way to deal with painful emotions or stress. While everyone with ADHD has different struggles, there are some common reasons why this happens. For example, certain foods can affect mood by releasing feel-good chemicals in the brain. This can happen to anyone not just those with ADHD. Those with ADHD may experience it at a different level and eating specific foods might provide a temporary sense of comfort and improve their mood temporarily. Those with ADHD often have lower levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain linked to pleasure. Eating certain foods can quickly boost dopamine levels, giving a brief but enjoyable reward and creating a pattern where food is used to handle emotions or find pleasure. Binge eating disorder treatment can help those with ADHD cope differently, understand their emotions better, and have a better relationship with food.
Reasons why those with ADHD might use binge eating to cope
Not everyone with ADHD must use binge eating as a way to cope. It’s also important to know that people use binging or overeating to cope, and they don’t have ADHD. These are some common reasons why those with ADHD might struggle with binge eating. It doesn’t mean these will apply to you but they might:
Hyperfocus: People with ADHD can get super focused on something they like. This intense focus might lead to binge-like behaviors, where they spend a lot of time on one thing.
Doing Things without Thinking: ADHD comes with impulsivity, which means doing things without planning. This can include eating a lot or doing activities excessively without thinking about it.
Trying to Feel Good: ADHD is linked to lower levels of dopamine, a chemical that makes us feel good. Bingeing on things that give instant pleasure, like eating certain foods or doing fun activities, might be an attempt to feel happier.
Dealing with Tough Times: Managing ADHD can be hard. Bingeing might be a way to take a break from stress or problems for a little bit. It's like a way to comfort themselves or handle strong feelings.
Wanting Some Order: People with ADHD might find it hard to have routines. Bingeing on certain activities can make them feel more in control and give a break from the usual challenges.
Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can help you manage ADHD and binge eating
Getting help for binge eating disorder can make a big difference for those dealing with ADHD. Treatment offers understanding yourself better, different ways of coping, and understanding your underlying emotions. You might feel embarrassed that you binge and because of that you've tried to figure out how to stop all on your own. You don't have to do that. Working with an eating disorder therapist means you don't have to do it alone. Going to therapy means you should feel safe and can let go of the shame of binge eating.
Begin working with an eating disorder therapist in Utah
You can find relief from binge eating. You don’t have to wake up and hate yourself the next day. You can find freedom from hating your body and not trusting yourself with food. Binge eating disorder treatment can help. This Utah Eating Disorder Clinic has an eating disorder therapist who specializes in binge eating disorder. To begin counseling follow the steps below:
Meet with a binge eating disorder therapist
Start improving your relationship with food
About the Author
Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is the founder of Maple Canyon Therapy which was originally located off of Main Street across from the 711 in Spanish Fork, Utah. However, Ashlee now provides online eating disorder therapy all throughout Utah. Ashlee is eager to support women in their mental health journey. With a focus on treating eating disorders, Ashlee holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Family Life and Human Development, both earned from Southern Utah University. Her commitment to understanding the complexities of human behavior led her to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work from Utah State University.