Here at Harley Street Mental Health, we firmly believe in mental health being made up of quite complicated conditions, including the often-unspoken one related to eating and one very current and relevant to attention. Both of these two disorders- namely, Eating Disorder-Anorexia Nervosa, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-have some interesting links. Not very well looked after links, it seems to have gained increasing recognition these days.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder wherein one's ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate activity gets affected. The symptoms generally identified with this condition are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These characteristics can influence every part of life-from daily troubles with academic failure to relationship issues. People with ADHD are often frustrated because they can't keep things organised, or they might not finish tasks. This could be a contributing factor to frustration, anxiety, and low self esteem.
Anorexia nervosa is a severe mental health disorder that involves an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and extreme limitation of food. This, all too often leads to extremely dangerous weight loss, and a range of physical and psychological complications. Anorexics can be found in strict dieting and excessive exercise towards an unattainable idealistic body shape. Management is usually multi disciplinary, hence psychological and medical, to target both the emotional and physical aspects of the disorder.
There is an increasing amount of evidence to suggest a link between ADHD and anorexia. Individuals with ADHD are at higher risk of developing eating disorders, although the exact causes for this linkage are not known. Several factors have been suggested as contributing:
Impulsivity and a Desire for Control - Impulsivity is one of the key features of ADHD, and this characteristic often overflows into eating behavior. Some individuals do extreme food restriction as a means of control over their lives, especially when other features of life are perceived as uncontrollable. In this case, food becomes a way to regulate one's emotions and feeling overwhelmed.
Low Self-Esteem - One important thread to both ADHD and anorexia is the negative self image of the individual. Many individuals with ADHD have feelings of incompleteness or not being as good as others, which may reside within them. These feelings can lead to the unhealthy focus of body image, trying to find their worthiness through taking control of body weight. It is sad that this leads them to the dangerous patterns of anorexia.
Sensory Sensitivities - Individuals with ADHD commonly have sensory sensitivities that could even affect their eating. For them, certain textures, smells, or flavors are just too stimulating, so they start to avoid those foods. Others develop restrictive eating. From here, a narrow range of foods may be tolerated a person might potentially restrict anorexia-like behaviors even further.
Comorbidity with Other Mental Health Disorders - ADHD is usually comorbid with other mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, which independently are important risk factors for eating disorders. Overlapping ADHD with these conditions can result in a complex interplay whereby the challenges of ADHD combine with the emotional turmoil of anxiety or depression and further enhance vulnerability to anorexia.
Thus, recognising the signs and symptoms of ADHD and anorexia is highly important for their timely interventions. Symptoms of ADHD include.
Poor sustaining of attention in tasks, avoidance of activities requiring sustained mental efforts, forgetfulness, and impulsive actions. At the same time, dramatic weight loss, preoccupation with food or images of the body, and restrictive eating could be some characteristic symptoms of anorexia.
Being concerned for oneself or a loved one can identify these signs, and seeking help is paramount. Early intervention plays a key role in recovery and generally enhancing well being.
In case either you or your loved one exhibits signs of ADHD or anorexia, don't hesitate to reach out to experts for help. Here at HSMH, we understand the special challenge that these conditions pose. A highly experienced staff of mental health professionals provides personalised treatment plans regarding both ADHD and anorexia and strives to treat each patient individually.
This can be through therapy, psychological support, or even medical treatment; what is most important is the nurturing of a better relationship with food and their bodies, taking into account the symptoms of ADHD. Recovery is possible, and with the right care, individuals can work towards lasting well being.
Understanding the correlation of ADHD with anorexia significantly aids in building awareness and sharing compassion for those fighting such illnesses. This complexity better opens up awareness, breaking barriers in stigmas of poor mental health that inhibit supporting loved ones through such a difficult road to recovery. At Harley Street Mental Health, we are here to support you at every stage of your treatment and provide sympathetic care based on your specific needs.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your concerns with us, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us on 020 3488 3655 or visit our website at https://www.hsmh.co.uk/services/adult-adhd-assessment