Are Eating Disorders More Prevalent in Women with ADHD?

PostedSeptember 25, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 29, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD and eating disorders women face are often more prevalent due to the complex relationship between ADHD symptoms and disordered eating behaviours. Women with ADHD are at an increased risk of developing eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia. These conditions are often linked to difficulties with impulsivity, emotional regulation, and coping with stress, which are common in individuals with ADHD.

Women with ADHD may engage in emotional eating as a way to cope with heightened emotions, stress, or feelings of inadequacy. The impulsivity that characterises ADHD can also contribute to disordered eating patterns, such as overeating or restrictive behaviours, without considering long-term consequences. These behaviours can lead to cycles of guilt, shame, and poor body image, making it harder to break the pattern of disordered eating.

Common Symptoms

Impulsivity and Disordered Eating

ADHD and eating disorders women may experience are often linked to impulsive decisions, such as eating large quantities of food in response to stress or emotional distress. This impulsivity can contribute to binge eating episodes and may also play a role in the development of bulimia.

Emotional Regulation and Coping Mechanisms

Women with ADHD often struggle with emotional regulation, and this difficulty can drive the need to use food as a way of managing emotions. Anorexia and bulimia can sometimes develop as attempts to control emotions and achieve a sense of stability.

Understanding the connection between ADHD and eating disorders women face is key to developing effective treatment strategies that address both the symptoms of ADHD and the associated disordered eating patterns.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Girls and women with ADHD.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.