Weird Ways ADHD Might Be Impacting Your Relationships

Episode 3

“People with ADHD Self-Medicate with Conflict and Drama.” This is the sentence, the title of an online article, that led to one of our kid’s ADHD diagnosis… not being disruptive in the classroom, not underperforming at school, and not complaints from teachers.

My training did not prepare me for the myriad of ways ADHD can impact relationships. I left my master’s and Ph.D. programs with minimal knowledge of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and thought of it mostly as a disorder that impacts productivity and looks like disruptive boys in a classroom. It’s so much more than that.

Since that diagnosis, I’ve learned a lot about the ADHD brain. Professionally, through this new lens, I’ve watched ADHD-related relationship issues play out in my office with couples over and over again… and while

the list of things I listen for is long and often overlaps with neurotypical relationship issues, I can often hear a constellation of things like sensitivity to sound, being quick to anger, feeling like the person is rigid or struggles with flexibility, all-or-nothing thinking…like if they aren’t the best, they’re the worst, they might feel perceived rejection more deeply than most….which might look like being quick to defend, addiction issues, etc. After hearing a few of these in those initial sessions, I ask, “I know this sounds weird, but any ADHD diagnosis between either of you?” and despite this sounding like a weird constellation of struggles…, I am right almost every single time.
That list isn’t exhaustive, but you catch my drift. And, listen, this isn’t doom and gloom. I think when we can name things, we can change things. And I’ve got quite the guest to help us tease this out.
ADHD Coach Brooke Schnittman is an esteemed expert in the field of ADHD management and support. With over two decades of experience, Brooke has worked closely with thousands of individuals with ADHD and is dedicated to empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. She’s the author of the book, Activate Your ADHD Potential (link below) And also her Podcast SucessFULL with ADHD.
At her company, Coaching with Brooke, she and her team work to empower individuals with ADHD, help them break through barriers, gain essential tools, and achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.