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How can ADHD impact trust and abandonment fears? 

PostedSeptember 30, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

ADHD trust issues often stem from years of misunderstood behaviour, social rejection, or emotional inconsistency. Many individuals with ADHD experience intense emotions, rapid shifts in mood, and difficulties with communication, all of which can complicate relationships and erode trust over time. 

This can lead to deeper emotional patterns such as attachment anxiety and a constant need for reassurance. When someone feels misunderstood or frequently criticised, it can create lasting fear of abandonment. Even in secure relationships, the person may question others’ loyalty or worry they are being left out or forgotten. 

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How It Affects Emotional Security 

Overreacting to minor changes 

A slight change in tone or delay in response can trigger strong reactions rooted in emotional insecurity and ADHD trust issues. 

Seeking constant reassurance 

People with ADHD may frequently ask if they are upsetting others, fearing they are too much or not enough. 

Avoiding vulnerability 

Because of past experiences, someone may hold back emotionally to avoid being hurt or rejected again, reinforcing ADHD trust issues. 

These patterns can be difficult to live with, but they are not permanent. With emotional support, therapy, and open communication, people with ADHD can learn to build healthier relationships and feel more secure in their connections. 

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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