Researchers in the field of eating disorders believe that understanding the relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) may lead to new treatments for BED. Obesity is a significant problem in the US, with more than a third of the population affected. Doctors have started investigating the behaviors driving this obesity.
Dr. Allan Kaplan notes that 35% of people classified as obese show signs of BED, a condition characterized by frequent binge eating and perceived lack of control. Interestingly, BED seems to share a connection with ADHD: around 30% of people diagnosed with ADHD also appear to have BED. This isn’t the only overlap; people with BED also often struggle with anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and mood disorders.
Kaplan and his team are exploring whether the lack of focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity associated with ADHD are related to the compulsive eating seen in BED. They have noticed that certain brain pathways activate in response to food cues, triggering binge eating in those with BED. The team has also identified specific genes more common in people who react strongly to food signals.
This work coincides with the approval of a drug called Vyvanse for managing overeating. Originally used for ADHD patients, Vyvanse curbs attention deficit symptoms as well as appetite. With evidence pointing towards shared neurological and genetic triggers in ADHD and BED, Kaplan’s team is examining if ADHD treatments might also help BED patients. They’re considering other options too, such as methylphenidate and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), both traditionally used for ADHD treatment.
The prospect of these “crossover” treatments is exciting, potentially offering new solutions for a variety of concerns across different disorders. Kaplan is calling for more accessible research data on BED, believing that the information he needs is already out there. Studying existing cases should speed up their research, reducing the need for human trials.
Finding new uses for old drugs is common, but it’s unusual to discover one drug class that could treat many overlapping symptoms. If Kaplan’s findings are successful, it could mean quicker, more effective treatment for people diagnosed with multiple disorders, such as ADHD and BED.
Author: Mike Bundrant, author of Your Achilles Eel: Discover and Overcome the Hidden Cause of Negative Emotions, Bad Decisions and Self-Sabotage and co-founder at The iNLP Center.
Categories: General
Tags: ADHD, Binge Eating Disorder
