The Challenges of Friendship for Individuals with ADHD: Insights from a Therapist

Forming and maintaining friendships can be challenging for individuals with ADHD due to traits such as forgetfulness, zoning out, emotional dysregulation, and rejection sensitivity. People with ADHD may struggle with maintaining regular contact, unintentionally interrupting conversations, zoning out during important moments, experiencing intense emotional reactions, perceiving rejection easily, masking their symptoms, and finding it difficult to meet the maintenance expectations of neurotypical friendships. Tips for navigating these challenges include setting reminders, observing oneself non-judgmentally, being upfront about ADHD symptoms, practicing mindfulness, reframing rejection, recognizing and addressing masking behaviors, and seeking friendships with individuals who understand and accept their ADHD.