Does ADHD affect interpersonal relationships? - How to improve communication and get rid of misunderstandings and anxiety

2025年2月28日

1. How does ADHD affect relationships?

1.1 Common social dilemmas in patients with ADHD

ADHD affects more than just attention. It can also cause people to exhibit misleading behaviors during social interactions, such as:

• Always interrupting others : Because it is difficult to suppress the impulse, it is easy to interrupt or interrupt the conversation at will, which makes people feel " impolite " or " disrespectful " .

• Difficulty in listening : When a friend or partner is talking, people with ADHD may be distracted, lose focus, or even suddenly change the subject , making the other person feel that " he is not listening at all. "

• Expressing excessive emotions : It is easy to say hurtful words when emotional, or become irritable and frustrated over trivial matters, which affects interpersonal relationships.

• Difficulty maintaining long-term relationships : Due to poor time management and lack of responsibility , you may often forget appointments, be late, or fail to fulfill your promises, causing disappointment to friends or partners.

1.2 Why do people with ADHD tend to have problems in interpersonal relationships?

The prefrontal cortex of ADHD patients is responsible for inhibiting impulses and planning social interactions , but this area is less active, making it easier for them to lose control of their words and actions in social situations ( Shaw et al., 2007 ). At the same time, ADHD patients have increased activity in the amygdala , which causes them to react more strongly to negative feedback, meaning that even a single word of criticism may cause them to have an excessive emotional reaction (such as anger, anxiety, or low self-esteem).

In the long run, ADHD patients may gradually develop social anxiety and avoidance due to experiences of social failure , and may even reduce interactions with friends and family.

2. How can people with ADHD improve their social communication?

2.1 Learn to listen more consciously

Practice " paraphrasing feedback " : After the other person finishes speaking, repeat it in your own words to make sure you really understand what the other person means. For example: " You mean you feel very stressed at work recently, right? "
Reduce the habit of interrupting : When you have the urge to interrupt, force yourself to take a deep breath for three seconds and let the other person finish speaking first.
Use nonverbal communication : Nod and maintain eye contact while listening to let the other person know that you are listening carefully.

2.2 Improve social self-control and reduce misunderstandings

Adjust speaking speed and tone : ADHD patients often appear impatient when speaking due to emotional excitement. Practicing slowing down their speaking speed can make their expression clearer and reduce misunderstandings.
Set social rules : Before a party or conversation, tell yourself in advance to " listen to the other person first, then express your own opinion " to avoid impulsive interruptions.
Practice empathy : After a social interaction, review the conversation and ask yourself, “ How would I feel if I were in that person’s shoes? ”

2.3 Reduce social anxiety and improve interpersonal relationship stability

Don’t be afraid to apologize : If you find yourself being impulsive or distracted in a conversation, proactively admitting and apologizing can help stabilize the relationship.
Establish regular social time : ADHD patients tend to forget to contact friends. They can set a fixed time to meet or talk with friends to make social interactions more regular.
Enhance emotion regulation ability : Use methods such as meditation, deep breathing, or exercise to reduce emotional fluctuations and improve social adaptability ( Young et al., 2016 ).

3. Scientific use of medication: How to help ADHD patients communicate more smoothly?

For ADHD patients with severe social difficulties, medication can help them better control impulses and improve their attention, thereby improving social interactions .

The role of Zestar

Xestada is a non-stimulant ADHD treatment that helps the brain improve attention, impulse control, and emotion management by regulating norepinephrine ( Michelson et al., 2002 ). Unlike stimulant drugs, Xestada has a more stable effect and is not easy to become addictive , making it suitable for ADHD patients who need to improve their social skills in the long term.

How does Selecta help improve interpersonal relationships?

• Improves concentration , allowing patients to focus more on the conversation and reduce misunderstandings caused by distractions.

• Reduce impulsive interruptions to keep the conversation flowing and avoid social awkwardness.

• Improve emotional stability and reduce situations where emotional fluctuations affect communication.

Precautions for medication

• It takes 2-4 weeks to gradually take effect and is not suitable for short-term use ( Kelsey et al., 2004 ).

• You may have mild side effects at first , such as decreased appetite or mild tiredness, but these usually subside.

• It should be used under the guidance of a doctor and the dosage should be adjusted according to individual conditions.

Studies have shown that ADHD patients who use Cialis for a long time are more confident in social interactions, have improved communication quality, and have reduced social anxiety ( Weisler et al., 2006 ).

4. Understanding ADHD can make social interaction smoother

The difficulties ADHD patients encounter in socializing are not because they " don't value friends " or are " emotionally unstable " , but because the characteristics of brain function make it more difficult for them to control impulses and more prone to emotional fluctuations . By improving communication methods, adjusting emotional management strategies and using medication scientifically , ADHD patients can reduce misunderstandings, improve social adaptability , and establish more stable and harmonious interpersonal relationships. If you or someone around you is affected by ADHD in socializing, you might as well try these methods to make communication smoother and easier.