my patient advice logo - used for header - mypatientadvice.co.uk
All Topics
Contact Us
Free Health Updates
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

Is impulsivity in ADHD harmful to relationships? 

PostedSeptember 30, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

Living with ADHD impulsivity can feel like you’re always catching up to your own thoughts. When it comes to close relationships, that impulsiveness can lead to misunderstandings, sudden arguments or reactions that seem out of proportion. It’s not always easy for partners, friends, or family members to recognise that what looks like carelessness or anger may actually be rooted in emotional dysregulation. 

ADHD impulsivity often shows up as speaking without thinking, interrupting others, or making snap decisions. While these behaviours aren’t malicious, they can gradually wear on trust and communication, especially if they’re not acknowledged or understood. Over time, this can lead to relationship challenges, particularly if one partner feels unheard or overwhelmed. 

Test for ADHD today

How It Affects Relationships 

Emotional reactions 

Outbursts or mood swings can happen quickly. This makes everyday conversations more intense than they need to be, fuelling ADHD conflict. 

Struggles with communication 

Blurting things out or interrupting can make the other person feel dismissed, even when that wasn’t the intent. These small moments can build up over time. 

Difficulty with follow-through 

Impulsive behaviour can mean making promises and then forgetting or not being able to keep them. This can affect trust and reliability within relationships. 

Understanding that ADHD impulsivity is a neurological trait helps shift the blame. With support and self-awareness, relationships can still be strong and supportive, just built on a different kind of understanding. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Social Relationships.

Test for ADHD today
Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

Let’s get started on something great

Sign Up for our FREE monthly medical updates. No spamming! Only the best content summary from the month on all medical topics

© 2025 My Patient Advice. All rights reserved.