Some people use alcohol and other drugs to ease the pain and frustration of their ADD symptoms. Others use compulsive behaviors such as gambling, spending, or sexual addictions. Eating in ways that are not good for us, but temporarily make us feel better is also a form of self-medicating. Self-medicating is when we use substances and behaviors to change how we feel. The problem with self-medicating is that it initially works, but soon leads to a host of new problems.
Eating can temporarily calm ADD physical and mental restlessness.
Eating can be grounding for some people with ADD, helping them focus better while reading, studying, watching television or movies. If your brain is not quick to contain your impulses, you may eat without thinking. Some compulsive overeaters are shocked to realize they have finished a carton of ice cream or a king-size tub of theater popcorn. They were not consciously aware of how much they were eating. Eating puts them into a pleasant trance like state that is a respite from their often active and chaotic ADD brain.