Adapting eating disorder treatment for adults with ADHD
Co-designing clinical guidelines
There is strong and growing evidence linking Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders (ED). Research suggests that when ADHD and ED co-occur, people may experience greater symptom severity, more complex presentations, and poorer treatment outcomes. Despite this, there is no practical guideance to support clinicians in adapting eating disorder treatment for adults with ADHD.
This project aims to change that.
We are co-designing practical, evidence-informed clinical guidelines to help services adapt eating disorder treatment in ways that are accessible, compassionate and neurodiversity-affirming.
About the project
This research is being conducted by the Sussex Partnership Innovation and Research in Eating Disorders (SPIRED) research team, embedded within the Sussex Eating Disorder Service (SEDS). SPIRED aims to bring together the expertise of clinicians and researchers with the vital perspectives of people with lived experience of eating disorders.
The team includes clinicians, researchers and experts by experience, taking a neurodiversity-affirming approach and centring lived experience perspectives throughout the project.
In the first phase of the project, we gathered insights from a range of perspectives. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with adults who have experience of both ADHD and eating disorder treatment, as well as interviews with healthcare professionals and other professionals who support people with ADHD. We also completed an online survey of UK eating disorder clinicians.
We are now working collaboratively with clinicians and people with lived experience to translate what we have learned into practical clinical guidance. This phase centres on co-design, ensuring that recommendations are shaped not only by research findings but by the expertise of those delivering and receiving care.
Lead researcher, Eva Eastman: eva.eastman@nhs.net
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