ADHD Teens at Risk of Eating Disorders By Chris Iliades, MD Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Teen eating disorders are on the rise — and they're becoming more prevalent in kids with ADHD. Experts explain why.

ADHD: My Son Nathan
One to 2 percent of students in America struggle with an eating disorder — and according to studies, eating disorders are significantly more common in teenage girls with ADHD than in girls without ADHD.

A possible explanation: Eating disorder behaviors like binge eating may be a way of self-medicating for ADHD teens. "The key link between eating disorders and ADHD is the impulsive need for stimulation,” explains Eric Hollander, MD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine and director of the Compulsive, Impulsive, and Autism Spectrum Disorders Program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York.

“ADHD in teens may cause symptoms of boredom and restlessness that are temporarily relieved by compulsive or addictive eating behaviors. Overeating or binge eating may stimulate the dopamine reward system and dopamine pathways in the brain.”

Dopamine is a brain chemical that tends to be low in people with ADHD. Dopamine is also important in appetite regulation and some compulsive eating behaviors have been shown to activate dopamine pathways.

Adolescent girls with ADHD also frequently develop dissatisfaction with their body image, which can lead to repeated bouts of binge eating and bulimia, notes Hollander.

ADHD usually begins in childhood, but girls are more likely to reach their teens being undiagnosed and untreated for their ADHD. Untreated teen ADHD increases the risk for compulsive eating and other eating disorders like bulimia or binge eating.”

Here are some ADHD symptoms kids and parents should be aware of:

Difficulty paying attention and staying focused
Problems at school
Constantly losing things or making careless mistakes
Restlessness and impatience
Parents who know or suspect that their teen has ADHD should also be aware of the warning signs of a possible eating disorder:

Dramatic change in weight
Excessive concern over diet
Being depressed about body image
Use of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas
Avoidance of family meals
ADHD in Teens and Eating Disorder Treatment

Parents and teens need to learn as much as they can about these disorders and take an active role in treatment. ADHD and eating disorders are both treatable. Teen ADHD can be controlled through a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Teen eating disorder treatment often involves both individual and family therapy and education about healthful eating. Treatment of ADHD symptoms may also help symptoms of eating disorders.

The key is to recognize the problem and take action. Teen ADHD and eating disorders that go unrecognized and untreated can cause lasting damage to both mind and body.