DeepSummary
The episode begins with an introduction by Carol Fleck, who welcomes the audience and explains that the topic is eating disorders comorbid with ADHD, particularly focusing on ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) and atypical anorexia nervosa. She introduces the guest speaker, Dr. Christine Peat, who is the director of the National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders.
Dr. Peat provides an overview of eating disorders, discussing their prevalence, costs, and the need to debunk stereotypes about who is affected. She explains various eating disorder diagnoses, including ARFID, atypical anorexia nervosa, and their diagnostic criteria. Dr. Peat then delves into the comorbidity of ADHD and eating disorders, presenting research findings on the increased risk of eating disorders among individuals with ADHD.
Towards the end, Dr. Peat discusses clinical implications, prevention strategies, and resources for individuals and families affected by eating disorders. She also addresses questions from the audience, covering topics such as screening for ARFID, the impact of stimulant medication on appetite, and supporting children struggling with eating disorders.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Eating disorders are prevalent, affecting approximately 9% of the US population, and can be life-threatening, with an estimated 10,000 deaths annually.
- There is a need to debunk stereotypes and misconceptions about who is affected by eating disorders, as they can occur across different demographics.
- Individuals with ADHD have an increased risk for developing eating disorders, including ARFID, atypical anorexia nervosa, and other disorders involving restrictive eating behaviors.
- Screening for eating disorders, particularly ARFID and atypical anorexia nervosa, should be emphasized in individuals with ADHD, as these conditions may go undetected.
- Prevention strategies, such as fostering a healthy relationship with food and body image, regular family meals, and access to mental health services, can help reduce the risk of eating disorders.
- Resources and support groups are available for individuals and families affected by eating disorders, including organizations like FEAST, National Eating Disorders Association, and National Alliance for Eating Disorders.
- Trauma and secrecy can contribute to the complexity of eating disorders, making it essential to address the underlying factors and provide appropriate treatment.
- Stimulant medications used for ADHD may suppress appetite, requiring careful monitoring and strategies to ensure adequate nutrition for individuals with comorbid eating disorders.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Unfortunately, eating disorders are also conditions that are deadly. That same report reported that somewhere around 10,000 people will die each year as a direct result of their eating disorder.“ by Christine Peat
- “Adults with ADHD were almost three times more likely to have been diagnosed with an eating disorder than their non ADHD peers. In a very similar vein, adolescents with ADHD were up to three times more likely to have had an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime.“ by Christine Peat
- “So collectively, what are some of the clinical implications of this? Well, when I think about it concretely, I think it's important to really think about those with ADHD being at risk for a variety of eating disorder thoughts and behaviors, not just binge eating.“ by Christine Peat
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Episode Information
ADHD Experts Podcast
ADDitude
3/19/24
Despite being serious mental health conditions, and highly comorbid with ADHD, eating disorders often go undetected. Christine Peat, Ph.D., helps caregivers and others understand symptoms and treatments for different types of eating disorders.
Eating Disorders: More Resources
- Get: The Eating Disorders Linked to ADHD
- Self-Test: Eating Disorders in Adults
- Read: Body Image, Bigorexia, and Eating Disorders in Men and Boys
- Read: Red Flags and Recovery Steps for Teens
Access the video and slides for podcast episode #494 here: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/eating-disorders-adhd-arfid-anorexia/
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