Living the Struggle
Trigger Warning: This article explores the topic of eating disorders. Reader discretion is advised.
ADHD rarely travels alone.
It often comes hand-in-hand with one or more other neurological disorders like depression, anxiety, autism, or bipolar disorder to name a few.
Another set of disorders common to ADHDers are eating disorders. According to a study published in 2015, up to 12% of people with ADHD also struggle with an eating disorder. While the impulsive side of ADHD is more commonly associated with binge-eating disorder, it's not uncommon to also see ADHDers diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.
Unfortunately, these disorders don't get talked about as much. Instead, due to stigma and shame, eating disorders aren't discussed openly. It's really unfortunate, because people struggling with eating disorders need just as much help and support as with any other disorder. We need to be able to let them know, "You are not alone."
Turning on the spotlight on The ADHD Podcast
On a recent episode of Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, I sat down to talk with Dr. Roberto Olivardia and my daughter, Paige. The main topic of discussion: eating disorders and ADHD.
It was a hard topic, especially sharing the whole interview experience with my daughter, but I feel like we both learned a lot from Dr. Olivardia as well as just from going through the experience of sharing our stories.
A message of hope
Paige actually came to me about being on the podcast. She said she wanted to share her story with our listeners—like maybe her story could shine a light on eating disorders and let other people know there is hope; getting better is an option.
With that, I want this post to be a place to find resources and assistance if you are looking for help. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help—you don't have to do this alone.
Listen to the full conversation with Paige and Dr. Olivardia: Ep 2604: Eating Disorders and ADHD
Book: The Adonis Complex: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Body Obsession in Men and Boys by Dr. Roberto Olivardia
Article: The ADHD-Eating Disorders Link by Dr. Roberto Olivardia - ADDitude Magazine
Book: Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders by Jennifer Gaudiani
National(US) Eating Disorder Association Helpline: (800) 931-2237
Thank you for your time and attention,
-Nikki
