August 18, 2025

Bulimia Recovery & ADHD Diagnosis: One Woman’s Journey to Healing With Kirsten Book, PMHNP-BC, @bookconciergepsych

35 minutes

In this inspiring and candid interview, Dr. Marianne Miller speaks with psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Kirsten Book @bookconciergepsych about her powerful journey from living with bulimia for more than a decade to building a successful career in mental health care. Kirsten reveals how her early struggles were shaped by inadequate treatment, provider misconceptions, and the absence of neurodivergent-affirming approaches, especially before her ADHD diagnosis at age 30.

Kirsten describes the turning point that came when she became pregnant with her son, which motivated her to pursue lasting recovery. She discusses her imperfect but determined healing process, her career change from business to nursing, and her passion for treating eating disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

Content Caution:

This episode contains discussions of eating disorders, bulimia, anorexia, substance use, and experiences with psychiatric care.

Key Topics Covered

Early signs of bulimia and anorexia, and how puberty shaped her body image and self-esteem

The emotional toll of being dismissed or misunderstood by treatment providers

Why early emotional education should be part of every child’s learning experience

How hope can sustain recovery even in the most difficult moments

The role of a late ADHD diagnosis in helping her maintain stability in recovery

The connection between undiagnosed ADHD, eating disorders, and substance use

Why thorough assessments are essential beyond the presenting symptoms

Benefits of collaborative treatment teams in both higher levels of care and private practice

Designing a concierge psychiatric practice with a focus on quality and accessibility

About Kirsten Book, PMHNP-BC

Kirsten is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner treating children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked at every level of care and now runs a concierge-style integrative psychiatric practice in Illinois, Arizona, Washington, and California. Her lived experience in recovery shapes her hopeful, compassionate, and personalized care.

Connect with Kirsten:

Website: kirstenbook.com

Email: @bookconciergepsych

Related Episodes on Bulimia & ADHD:

A Bulimia Recovery Story + How Weight-Neutral Fitness Can Help Eating Disorder Recovery With Abbey Griffith @claritydecatur on Apple or Spotify.

Understanding Bulimia: Causes, Solutions, & Coping Strategies on Apple & Spotify.

ADHD & Eating Disorders: The Overlooked Link on Apple & Spotify.

Overexercising, ADHD, and Eating Disorders via Apple and Spotify.

Resources & Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you are not alone. In the U.S., you can reach the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 or visit nationaleatingdisorders.org.

INTERESTED IN HANGING OUT MORE IN DR. MARIANNE-LAND?

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