I have heard that some people self medicate with food the same way that others self
medicate with coffee or cigarettes, has anyone had experience with this?
Q: I would like information about ADD adults who self medicate with food.
Answers (1)
8/27/09 8:25pm
Hi Kristy!
This sure is an interesting question. It didn't take me long to find a paper on this.
This author says there is a definite link between ADHD and eating disorders.
Author, Wendy Richardson, says this:
"Eating can temporarily calm ADD physical and mental restlessness. Eating can be grounding for some people with ADD, helping them focus better while reading, studying, watching television or movies. If your brain is not quick to contain your impulses, you may eat without thinking. Some compulsive overeaters are shocked to realize they have finished a carton of ice cream or a king-size tub of theater popcorn. They were not consciously aware of how much they were eating. Eating puts them into a pleasant trance like state that is a respite from their often active and chaotic ADD brain."
So...I think you have something here. Are you self medicating with food? Can you tell us more?
Thank you so much for your question!
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By kristy— Last Modified: 11/17/10, First Published: 08/27/09
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I believe I was self medicating with sweets after I quit smoking several years ago. This was really bad as I have Diabetes type 2. When I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and put on Ritalin, the craving for sweets disappeared. Alsao I am so much more focused and can coimplete projects that I start. It is never too late as I am 70.