Girls with ADHD may have a higher risk of developingeating disordersaccording to a study completed at the University of Virginia. Researchers believe that because ADHD goes undiagnosed in girls more frequently than in boys, depression and other problems may develop. One of those isself-esteem issuesand dissatisfaction with body image. Impulsive behaviors can lead to binge eating and bulimia (purging oneself after eating large amounts of food).
有许多的理论可能会导致the link between ADHD and eating disorders:
Eating disorders and impulse control
Dr. Patricia Quinn, Director of the National Center for Girls and Women with AD/HD, explains that both ADHD and eating disorders share the characteristics oflack of impulse control/self-regulation, depression and low self-esteem. Eating disorders may occur, according to Dr. Quinn, because "people eat for many reasons other than physiological hunger, including boredom, excitement, anger, sadness, food availability, reward and stress relief. Surrounded by highly desirable food, it may be difficult to say 'no' to the impulse to eat. " It is easy to understand how ADHD might put someone at a disadvantage, since difficulties with impulse control are a central defining attribute of ADHD. Individuals with ADHD tend to be dominated by the moment, reactive, and only later, regretful of their lack of foresight."
ADHD symptoms may contribute to eating disorders
Another explanation is offered by Dr. Carolyn Dukarm in her bookPieces of a Puzzle: The Link Between Eating Disorders and ADD. Dr. Dukarm explains that healthy eating habits requireplanning and organization, both areas of weakness for those with ADHD. In addition, many people with ADHD skip meals because ofbeing distractedor hyperfocus. Their hunger then becomes so intense they overeat. Unhealthy eating habits become routine.
Self-medicating with food
Self-medicating is often associated with illegal drugs and alcohol, however, it can occur with any behaviors, including gambling, sexual addiction, over-spending and eating. Many people use food for comfort, to help ease the pain ofstress,or to calm themselves. Eating certain foods may make you feel better, temporarily but, according to Wendy Richardson, often ends up causing other problems. In the article entitledThe Link Between ADHD and Eating Disorders, Richardson explains that those with ADHD may crave foods high in sugars and carbohydrates because of the effect of these foods on their brain - raising levels of serotonin. However, as with many drugs, you need to consume more and more to get the same effect causing overeating.
Treatment for ADHD and eating disorders
As with any coexisting condition, anaccurate diagnosisis the first step. When either the ADHD or the eating disorder goes undiagnosed, treatment only targets part of the problem. For example, if you are treated for an eating disorder without treating the underlying impulsivity or hyperactivity, then those factors continue and will make recovery that much harder. Dr. Quinn suggests atreatment planthat includes nutrition education, cognitive behavior therapy, ADHD medications and nutritional supplements. Other experts believe that including an antidepressant medication is helpful if there is underlying depression.