Compulsive Eating and Shopping

"Whenever I feel down, I eat and shop uncontrollably. I know I need to stop, but I can't. Help!"

by Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D.

Compulsive eating and shopping are common problems for ADDers. It's hard to "just not do" a compulsive habit. Instead, substitute a healthy "fix" when you're feeling down. Take a hot bath, go for a walk, talk to a friend, or drink a cup of tea. If you find it hard to manage this, weekly meetings with a therapist can help keep you on track.

Ask your doctor whether adjusting the dosage of your ADD medication, or switching to a new drug, might help rein in your compulsive eating and shopping. And your doctor may wish to evaluate you for depression, since it, too, can cause the behaviors you describe.