ADHD and Impulsive Overeating

[workoutmom]

Hi all--new here!! Does anyone have any advice for me to help my 11 year old daughter who cannot stop eating when in the presence of food!! If it's not around, she doesn't ask for anything...however, once she sees it, it seems to be ALL she thinks about!! She is currently taking Concerta and Zoloft...

Thank you in advance!!

[skoby]

My daughter is like this as well. I just really limit the kinds of foods I keep around the house -- no crackers, chips, sweets, etc. Even if I try to hide them, she'll find them and binge. (Kind of a bummer for the rest of us in the family!) But I always have lots of healthy options available that she's free to eat. I make her a plentiful but very healthy lunch for school. We usually plan for one treat a week -- usually ice cream -- so she knows she has that to look forward to. If I do this 95% of the time, I then try not to fret about the extras that sneak in at birthday parties and holidays. She also stays very active with dance and sports, so that helps.

[ADHD_DAD]

Hi. I am replying just to wish you luck. I found your post interesting since so many post about concerns with Concerta and other stimulants suppressing appetite. Until your post, I was unaware of any link between ADHD and an eating disorder. Our unique, quirky, wonderful kids sure find plenty of ways to keep us learning. I am sure that your awareness and willingness to seek help will result in a good outcome for your daughter. Best of luck!

[TMeeps02]

Try chewable objects! I would also suggest keeping many different kinds and slowly noting which are most useful, then keeping multiples of those around. Also gum.