Megan Y. Bruce, LCSW: Providing Expert Care for Eating Disorders and ADHD

Author : Meganbruce Lcsw | Published On : 18 Feb 2024

Eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two distinct but sometimes overlapping conditions that can significantly impact an individual’s well-being and quality of life. Megan Y. Bruce, LCSW, is a compassionate therapist who specializes in treating both eating disorders and ADHD, offering expert care and support to help clients navigate these complex challenges and achieve lasting recovery.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While ADHD primarily affects attention and executive functioning, it can also have secondary effects on emotional regulation, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. Individuals with ADHD may be at increased risk for developing eating disorders due to difficulties with impulse control, emotional dysregulation, and challenges with planning and organization.

Megan Y. Bruce understands the unique needs of individuals with co-occurring ADHD and eating disorders and approaches treatment with sensitivity, empathy, and expertise. She recognizes the interconnected nature of these conditions and adopts a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms of ADHD and the underlying factors contributing to disordered eating behaviors.

One of the key challenges for individuals with ADHD and eating disorders is managing impulsivity and regulating emotions, especially in relation to food and eating. Megan Y. Bruce helps clients develop practical strategies and coping skills to enhance self-control, resist urges to engage in disordered eating behaviors, and make healthier choices in their daily lives. By building awareness of triggers and learning to manage emotions effectively, individuals with ADHD and eating disorders can improve their ability to cope with stress and regulate their eating behaviors.

In addition to addressing the symptoms of ADHD, Megan Y. Bruce provides specialized treatment for eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). She offers evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT) to help clients challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about food, weight, and body image, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve their relationship with food and their bodies.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for individuals with ADHD and eating disorders, as it helps address both the cognitive and behavioral aspects of these conditions. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging distorted thoughts and beliefs related to food and body image, as well as developing practical skills to change unhealthy behaviors and cope with emotional triggers.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is another valuable treatment approach for individuals with ADHD and eating disorders, as it emphasizes mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. DBT helps clients learn to tolerate distress, regulate intense emotions, and navigate interpersonal relationships more effectively, reducing the reliance on disordered eating behaviors as a coping mechanism.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) may also be beneficial for individuals with ADHD and eating disorders, as it focuses on improving communication and interpersonal relationships. By addressing conflicts and improving social skills, IPT helps individuals develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others, reducing the isolation and loneliness often experienced by those with co-occurring ADHD and eating disorders.

In addition to therapy, Megan Y. Bruce may collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as psychiatrists, dietitians, and primary care physicians, to ensure comprehensive care for her clients. By addressing both the symptoms of ADHD and the underlying factors contributing to disordered eating behaviors, she helps individuals with co-occurring ADHD and eating disorders achieve lasting recovery and improve their overall quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD and eating disorders, don’t hesitate to seek help. To schedule an appointment with Megan Y. Bruce, LCSW, please call 408-805-4385. Take the first step toward healing and recovery today.