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A new study from researchers at Maastricht University reveals that food choices may indicate the presence of ADHD. Individuals with this syndrome often exhibit frequent snacking, consumption of energy drinks, chips, and fried foods.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that typically begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood, characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD often struggle with concentration, memory, sitting still, and listening to others. This condition is diagnosed in about 5 percent of children, with boys being more frequently affected than girls. To ensure that a child grows up balanced and well-adjusted, ADHD must be managed by psychologists and educators.
How Was the Study Conducted?
The team, led by Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Laura Dalnoki, initially hypothesized that specific eating behaviors are linked to certain ADHD symptoms, particularly impulsivity and the need for mental stimulation.
Previous studies exploring the potential connection between ADHD and diet suggested that an unhealthy diet—comprising processed and refined foods, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and red meat—could increase the risk of developing this disorder.
The researchers behind the new study took a closer look at the relationship between ADHD and diet, discovering that not only does diet influence the disorder, but the disorder also affects dietary choices.
Professor Dalnoki and her colleagues analyzed data from the long-term KOALA cohort study, which focused on the health of 2,500 children born in the Netherlands between 2001 and 2003. The team concentrated on data from 810 participants in this cohort when they were aged 16 to 20, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The scientists assessed the eating behaviors of these young individuals through a survey. Participants were asked to review a list of 28 foods and beverages and indicate how often they consumed them. They also reported whether they had been diagnosed with ADHD, while their parents provided information about their children’s behavioral issues and levels of impulsivity.
The researchers categorized the adolescents’ diets into five groups: snacks, healthy foods, animal products, sweets, and beverages.
Snack lovers, in particular, were found to have high consumption of non-diet soft drinks, energy drinks, packaged juices, fried foods, and chips.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
ADHD was diagnosed in 80 participants, who reported consuming snack foods and beverages more frequently than their peers without the disorder.
Moreover, participants with ADHD who exhibited severe symptoms of the condition, such as impulsivity, reported snacking more often. Individuals with high levels of impulsivity also tended to consume more sweets and “bad” drinks.
As highlighted by Professor Dalnoki’s team, the study indicates a clear link between certain ADHD symptoms, particularly impulsivity, and the consumption of unhealthy foods. However, further research is needed for a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship.
The findings of this study were published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.
This research complements previous studies that have shown individuals with ADHD often eat to achieve mental and sensory stimulation.
According to a 2015 study, the part of the brain responsible for pleasure, reward, and motivation often does not function properly in individuals with ADHD. As a result, they do not experience internal satisfaction, prompting them to seek external sources of stimulation, such as food.
Food stimulates the brain by affecting taste, smell, and sight. According to Healthline, this is true even for individuals without ADHD. However, those with the disorder may be more sensitive to such stimulation due to their brain chemistry.
Experts believe that individuals with ADHD may regularly overeat in an attempt to satisfy their brain’s needs.
