How can I manage conflicts with ADHD? 

Conflict can feel overwhelming when you live with ADHD. Difficulties with emotional regulation, impulsivity and rejection sensitivity can make disagreements escalate quickly. According to NHS guidance, these challenges stem from how ADHD affects attention, executive functioning and emotional control. The positive news is that practical, evidence-based strategies can make conflict easier to manage in everyday life. 

Understanding why conflict is hard with ADHD 

ADHD research shows that emotional dysregulation and rapid mood shifts can intensify arguments or lead to impulsive reactions. A 2023 review published in BJPsych Advances highlights how emotional dysregulation contributes directly to relationship strain and conflict (open-access review). Rejection sensitivity can also heighten perceived criticism, making even small disagreements feel overwhelming, as described in qualitative studies of adult ADHD (study link). 

Practical ways to manage conflict 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness-based approaches help people recognise emotional triggers, pause before responding and communicate more calmly. Evidence from psychotherapy research shows that ADHD-adapted CBT, including emotional-regulation techniques, can improve conflict handling and reduce reactivity (Frontiers Psychiatry study). NICE also recommends psychosocial interventions such as psychoeducation and behavioural strategies as part of ADHD care (NICE NG87). 

Medication can help stabilise attention and emotional responses, which may indirectly improve how conflicts unfold. Private services like ADHD Certify offer assessments and post-diagnostic reviews that support individuals in understanding and managing the emotional aspects of ADHD within a broader care plan. 

Key takeaway 

Conflict often feels harder with ADHD because of emotional regulation differences, but these challenges are manageable. With structured strategies, therapy, coaching and, where suitable, medication, many people find they can communicate more calmly, reduce escalation and build stronger, more understanding relationships. 

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

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

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.