Forgetting to Eat when you have ADHD
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Did you know that there’s a link between ADHD and eating disorders?
I didn’t until recently.
People with ADHD are highly susceptible to over-eating, under-eating, or both.
Why would you forget to eat?
There are several reasons why a person with ADHD could forget to eat.
A few are
- The side effects of Adderall
- Co-morbid disorders and other health issues
- The side effects of other prescription drugs
- Issues with object permanence
- And more.
The Side Effects of Adderall
Those helpful little pills people with ADHD take have a common side effect. They can curb your appetite.
Everyone’s experience with Adderall is different. When I was on the twice-a-day regimen, I’d feel ridiculously hungry as soon as the medicine wore off.
When I switched to Adderall XR (extended release), I felt that same hunger when I took a break from the medicine (or if I missed a dose).
Co-morbid Disorders and Other Health Issues
If you have nausea from a health issue that is not ADHD, it can worsen your appetite.
Co-morbid Example: I personally deal with nausea from anxiety sometimes.
Non-ADHD Example: I get nauseous at the beginning of my menstrual period.
The Side Effects of Other Prescription Drugs
If you are taking other medications (in addition to Adderall), it’s important to look at their side effects.
Make sure that they aren't messing with your appetite too!
Issues with Object Permanence
Have you ever gotten a snack, sat down, then started to do something else? I do this a lot.
My husband has to remind me that it’s there a few times before I actually do something about it. I want to eat, I'm just too easily distracted.
Quite a few people with ADHD that I've talked with are also challenged by situations like this.
Negative Effects of Forgetting to Eat
Remember when I mentioned the susceptibility to under-eat, over-eat, or both? Here's why you shouldn't.
If You Under-Eat
Your weight can drop dangerously low, leading to serious health conditions.
If You Over-Eat
You could gain too much weight and struggle with losing it. This can also lead to serious health conditions.
What Happened to Me
I’ve had low blood pressure for as long as I can remember, but a few years ago (after starting Adderall), I was diagnosed with Orthostatic Hypotension.
I kept passing out.
My husband and I put the pieces together when we realized how little I was eating. I didn’t feel hungry, but that didn’t matter. I barely weighed anything.
I was with a new primary care doctor when we realized this, and we immediately worked out a plan to get my weight up. The plan involved paying attention to how Adderall affected my appetite.
I learned even more about my eating habits and weight when my doctor helped me taper off my Celexa/Citalopram (medicine for anxiety & depression) a few months ago.
When I was tapering off the Citalopram, my stomach slowly started to feel like it was eating itself.
I don’t know how else to describe it. I WAS SO HUNGRY I WANTED TO CRY.
And I did cry.
I cried a lot.
I mourned for my stomach because I didn’t realize how much I was depriving it of what it needed!
Both Citalopram and Adderall were affecting my stomach for years.
I feel like I’m (currently) in the process of learning how to eat again.
What Can You Do?
Pay Attention
One of the best things you can do for your body is pay attention to it.
I constantly remind myself of how I used to eat before I was on medication. I was a bit younger, but it’s still a great reference point!
I also weigh myself. I used to do it on a regular basis when I was severely underweight. I’m at a point where that’s not necessary anymore.
I only weigh myself now to check-in and make sure that I’m eating enough (especially when I’m taking Adderall).
Be Your Own Advocate
You doctor/psychiatrist should be aware of all the drugs you’re taking.
You should be aware of the side effects of those drugs (at least the most common ones).
Make sure you feel comfortable talking with your care team about any symptoms you have, and make sure they thoroughly assess them.
If you want more tips, check out this post on being your own patient advocate!
Get Help
When I found out that I was severely underweight, I was working with both my primary care doctor and a registered dietician.
I was also blessed with family and friends cheering me on as I got my weight up.
If you struggle with eating enough (or too much), get your doctor involved, build an uplifting support system, use an app, do some ADHD coaching/therapy, or whatever works for you!
You don’t have to do any of this alone.
Bonus Tip: For People with Chronic Pain
Just like sleep, eating is so important for healing. When I don’t eat enough, my chronic pain symptoms get worse.
If you’re like me, make sure you pay attention to your eating habits so that you can have a better quality of life!
Helpful Links
https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/co-occurring-dual-diagnosis/adhd
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-and-eating-disorders
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