EP 28: The Link Between ADHD & Disordered Eating + Transparency Into My Adult Diagnosis

Do you constantly struggle with feeling overwhelmed? Maybe you forget things, lack concentration or focus, or even find yourself distracted with daydreams & desires that you just can't seem to DO anything about? Today I share with you my personal experience with ADHD & the self-awareness it gave me being diagnosed as an adult. While it may seem unrelated & yet I never seemed to put the pieces together that my battle with an eating disorder could in fact have a direct correlation to ADHD, researches have discovered a link between the two mental health illnesses. In fact, statistics show that those with ADHD are at risk for developing an eating disorder 3 to 6 times higher than the average of someone without ADHD. But what is the link between the two mental conditions? According to Community Health Network, "A study showed that images of food stimulated the brain’s reward center at a higher level in people with ADHD than people in the same study who do not have been diagnosed with ADHD. In addition, the researchers discovered that this brain response could be why having ADHD increases the risk of developing an eating disorder.  ADHD is often associated with irregularities in how the brain interprets signals and cues from the rest of the body. For instance, signals about hunger become distorted in those with ADHD. This can make it challenging to know when to stop eating or the opposite. Many people with ADHD are extremely sensitive; this sensitivity is called hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity is characterized as being extremely sensitive to the physical senses such as smell, taste, touch, or even the surrounding environment.  As a result, A hypersensitive person with ADHD could have more difficulty eating certain foods than someone who does not have ADHD. This can lead to food restriction behaviors & binge purge episodes." If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, or you have been diagnosed, I truly feel today's show with bless you. I share my personal journey with you & experience of what it was like to be diagnosed with ADHD in my thirties.  Tune in today friend. I hope you learn, grow, & find freedom just by listening to this podcast. If you enjoy this episode, let me know! Send an email over to me & join our free group on FB! You can find me at all the links below.& if you need more support reach out directly @ [email protected] & ask for your complimentary consult! with love & purpose, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ www.lindseynichol.com  ______ Coach with Me -＞ [email protected]    ______ Join the free FB community of women -＞ www.facebook.com/groups/herbestselfsociety/  ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together at www.lindseynichol.com/apply-for-coaching  Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder or ADHD.