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How can I stop feeling isolated with ADHD? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Feeling isolated or disconnected is a common experience for people with ADHD, but it is not a reflection of who you are. According to the NHS and Royal College of Psychiatrists, ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation can make it harder to maintain friendships, follow social routines, or feel truly understood. 

Discover if you have ADHD

Why ADHD can lead to isolation 

Peer-reviewed research shows that missed social cues, forgotten plans, and emotional intensity can cause misunderstandings that build up over time. Many people begin to withdraw to avoid embarrassment or rejection, especially when they have faced stigma or a late diagnosis (BMJ Open, 2024). These experiences can reinforce loneliness and low self-esteem, even in otherwise supportive environments. 

What NHS and NICE recommend 

NICE NG87 and NHS guidance emphasise early psychoeducation for individuals and their families. Understanding how ADHD affects social behaviour helps reduce blame and create empathy. NHS clinicians also recommend screening for anxiety, depression, or loneliness as part of ongoing ADHD care (NICE NG87, 2018). 

Effective, evidence-based supports include: 

  • CBT and ADHD coaching to rebuild confidence and communication skills. 
  • Peer and community groups for connection and shared understanding. 
  • Mindfulness and self-compassion reduce social anxiety and emotional reactivity. 

Reconnecting through support and shared experience 

Charities such as Mind and professional programmes like Theara Change focus on helping people with ADHD develop social resilience and emotional skills in safe, affirming spaces. Joining peer groups, volunteering, or pursuing special interests can help people find belonging and rebuild trust after periods of isolation. 

Takeaway

Isolation from ADHD is not about being antisocial; it is about living with a brain wired for difference. With psychoeducation, therapy, coaching, and community connection, people with ADHD can move from feeling misunderstood to genuinely connected and supported. 

Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

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. 

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