AD/HD and Social Interactions

Because many people with AD/HD are inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive, they often experience social difficulties such as rejection and relationship problems. These issues can perpetuate a negative cycle of family and relationship conflicts, as well as feelings of inadequacy on the part of the individual with AD/HD; they could also contribute to the development of co-morbid emotional problems such as mood and anxiety disorders.

Effective social interaction requires attention and the ability to control impulses. However, those with AD/HD tend to be inattentive, causing them to miss details about friends or family, have difficulty “reading between the lines,” forget meaningful events (e.g. birthdays), or become distracted and “zone out” of conversations; they are also frequently impulsive, resulting in them interrupting others or blurting out information that probably should have never been verbalized in the first place. Thus, it is very easy to see how these tendencies could interfere with successful social interaction.

Moreover, friends or family may not even be aware that an individual has AD/HD. As a result, they likely think he or she is egocentric, rude or simply disinterested in the relationship. Either way, it is not likely that they will go out of their way to socialize with that person. Such social rejection or avoidance often causes emotional pain or feelings of inadequacy in the lives of those with AD/HD, and it frequently results in the dissolution of friendships or even marriages.

This is why education is so important. Those with AD/HD should be aware of their symptoms; sometimes just understanding their weaknesses helps people moderate their more problematic symptoms. They should also consult their doctor about the various medication and treatment approaches and proactively seek out one that effectively manages their symptoms. However, educating the individual with AD/HD is only one part of the social puzzle. It is also important to include spouses or significant others, friends and family about AD/HD and the ways it can negatively impact social skills and interpersonal behaviors. Once people know about the diagnosis and understand the effects, they are much more likely to be sympathetic and patient with their AD/HD friends.

Although AD/HD clearly poses unique challenges to social relationships, it is possible for those the disorder to have fulfilling social relationships. By educating yourself as well as those around you, and pursuing effective medication and/or treatment plans, you will likely be able to enjoy close, healthy relationships.

Information taken from www.help4adhd.org