ADHD and Disordered Eating
How ADHD influences eating behaviors
Overview
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make healthy eating exceptionally challenging because many aspects of nutrition and meal planning rely on executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, impulse control, and self-monitoring. This presentation will explore the relationship between ADHD and disordered eating, highlighting how individuals with ADHD possess neurochemical, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral risk factors for developing unhealthy eating patterns and eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. The importance of understanding these eating behaviors through an ADHD-informed lens is essential to develop more effective, compassionate, and evidence-based approaches to treatment. Ultimately, this perspective aims to reduce the shame and self-blame many people with ADHD experience while improving long-term health outcomes and quality of life.
Course Expires: Oct. 13, 2028
*This module was recorded at the 2026 Current Practice in ADHD conference.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
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Identify the core features of ADHD.
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Discuss various risk factors (neurochemical, psychological, cognitive and behavioral) of ADHD for disordered eating.
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List treatment strategies for patients with ADHD and disordered eating, and eating disorders.
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Cite why an ADHD-informed lens is essential in reducing the shame many people with ADHD carry around their eating behavior.
Curriculum
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Introduction
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ADHD and Disordered Eating
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Conclusion
About this course
- $25.00
- 1 hour of video content
Faculty Instructor
Roberto Olivardia, PhD
Clinical Associate in Psychology, McLean Hospital; Lecturer on Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Part-Time, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Associate at McLean Hospital and Lecturer at Harvard Medical School. He maintains a private practice in Lexington, MA, where he specializes in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, and issues that face students with learning disabilities. He is a nationally recognized expert in the research and treatment of boys and men with eating disorders. He is a co-author of The Adonis Complex, the first book of its kind detailing the various manifestations of body image issues in males. He is on the Professional and Scientific Advisory Boards for Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD), The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), and ADDitude Magazine and website. He is also a Featured Expert for Understood. He is the recipient of the 2026 American Psychological Association Outstanding Citizen Psychologist Award and has spoken at numerous conferences, webinars, and podcasts.
Continuing Education
Psychologists: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course offers 1.0 continuing education credits.
Social Workers: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an Approved Provider #0038 of continuing education for licensed social workers. This course offers 1.0 contact hours. Social workers from other states should check with their individual board to confirm credit reciprocity with NY.
Counselors: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5444. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course meets the requirements for 1.0 continuing education hours, and is also applicable for Commonwealth of Massachusetts Counseling/Allied Mental Health accreditation for 1.0 credits.