ADHD can make some people more prone to binge eating. Why? Well, because managing emotions and keeping impulses in check can be more of a struggle when you have ADHD. This can affect their ability to know when they're hungry or full. Many of the women I work with share experiences of eating ice cream and not realizing how it disappeared so quickly. They aren't present with their eating experience, and it all happens so fast that they don't even realize they're past feeling comfortably full. Binge eating disorder treatment uncovers how to stop this cycle but when you’re stuck in it, you feel trapped.
For some with ADHD, food becomes a go-to comfort when they're feeling restless or stressed. Binge eating for those with ADHD symptoms also might be a way of procrastinating a task they don't want to do. Binge eating fires the reward system in the brain when other tedious tasks don't. It's like a quick fix to make things feel better for a bit. But not everyone with ADHD deals with binge eating—it's different for each person.
For some people with ADHD, binge eating can feel good because it gives a quick sense of comfort and pleasure. When they eat a lot in a short time, their brain releases a chemical called dopamine that makes them feel happy. It's like a temporary escape from feeling restless or upset. People with ADHD might have lower levels of dopamine so they might seek activities like eating that will produce dopamine. Binge eating becomes a way to get a fast and enjoyable distraction from the challenges of ADHD. This makes it easy to keep doing it, even though it's not a long-term solution.
For people with ADHD, binge eating can be like a super-focused activity. When they start eating, it takes up all their attention. The experience of eating food becomes so interesting and absorbing that it helps them escape from other things bothering them, like distractions or busy thoughts. This intense focus on eating lets them forget about everything else for a while, giving a feeling of control and concentration that's hard to find in other parts of their life because of ADHD challenges with staying focused and controlling impulses. When they are hyperfocused on eating, they can disregard hunger and fullness cues when they are in this state.
The good news? There’s help for those who struggle with binging as a result of ADHD. Working with an eating disorder therapist can be a huge tool in feeling better. It's important to remember that even though ADHD and binge eating might be connected for some, not everyone will have this struggle. The key is finding the right kind of support that works best for you. Therapy for binge eating isn’t just about learning to stop binging. It’s about understanding your feelings and finding different ways of coping.
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment in Utah can help you manage binge eating
Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can help you stop your cycle of overeating. It's not just about stopping the binge—it's about digging into why it's happening. Eating disorder therapy gives you tools to manage emotions without feeling like turning to food is your only option. Working with a binge eating disorder therapist helps you understand the reasons behind the urge to overeat. Learning to eat intuitively is a way to learn how to listen to your body, handle tough feelings, and feel better about yourself. I know it's not easy. It can be discouraging and feels embarrassing to open up to someone about your binging. I can promise you the goal is to make you feel safe and to help you feel better about yourself.
Work with an Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah to recover from binge eating disorder
You don’t have to keep feeling alone. You don’t have to keep hating yourself when you look at yourself in the mirror. 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 recovering from binge eating disorder
Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah
Online therapy in Utah is a great option for eating disorder recovery that's just as effective as meeting in person. Meeting a therapist face to face over video is convenient because you can get help from wherever you feel comfortable, without worrying about travel or location. Studies show that online therapy works really well for treating eating disorders. Online counseling is private and secure, so you can open up about your struggles with food and feelings in a safe space. Choosing online therapy gives you the flexibility to work on your recovery journey while getting the same level of support as you would with in-person therapy.
Online therapy in Utah means I work with clients all over the state including St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, Salt Lake City, and more.
About the Author
Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is the founder of Maple Canyon Therapy, a Utah-based practice specializing in assisting women on their path to recovery from eating disorders. Armed with dual bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Family Life and Human Development from Southern Utah University, Ashlee possesses a profound comprehension of human behavior and familial dynamics. Driven by her dedication to empowering women, Ashlee pursued a master's degree in Social Work from Utah State University, fortifying her capacity to provide comprehensive care and guidance. With extensive experience spanning all facets of eating disorder treatment, Ashlee loves helping to support women through the intricate journey of recovery.