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Do people with ADHD get bored in long-term relationships? 

PostedSeptember 30, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

ADHD boredom in relationships is a real experience for many individuals, especially as the initial excitement of romance gives way to routine. People with ADHD often thrive on stimulation and change, which can make the steady rhythm of long-term commitment feel less engaging over time. This doesn’t mean they’re incapable of love. it just means their brains may crave novelty in different ways. 

This craving is linked to novelty seeking, where newness feels energising and rewarding. In relationships, once the initial spark fades, someone with ADHD might struggle to maintain interest or feel restless. These moments can sometimes be mistaken for ADHD commitment issues, even when the person genuinely wants to stay. 

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What This Might Look Like 

Restlessness in routine 

Repetition or predictability in daily life with a partner may cause frustration or a drop in attention. 

Seeking emotional highs 

The urge to chase intense feelings can pull focus away from the steady warmth of relationship stability. 

Sudden emotional shifts 

Feeling bored or disconnected doesn’t always last, but the emotional highs and lows can challenge the flow of the relationship. 

ADHD boredom in relationships doesn’t mean the end is near. With effort, communication and creative connection, couples can keep things fresh while building long-lasting bonds. 

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.

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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. 

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