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Why do I feel isolated from ADHD? 

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

Many adults with ADHD describe feeling “on the outside” even when surrounded by others. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation can make social interactions unpredictable or draining. Over time, this can lead to withdrawal and loneliness, not because people with ADHD do not care about connection, but because staying connected can take more effort. 

Discover if you have ADHD

How ADHD can lead to isolation 

Research shows that ADHD itself, not just co-existing conditions, is linked to greater loneliness. A 2017 population study in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that higher ADHD symptom levels directly increased the likelihood of feeling lonely, even after other factors were considered. The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ 2023 guidance notes that rejection, misunderstanding, and repeated social setbacks can fuel withdrawal, especially when impulsivity or emotional dysregulation cause misunderstandings or conflict. 

According to NHS advice for adults with ADHD, social difficulties such as interrupting, forgetting plans, or being easily distracted are common ADHD symptoms, not personality flaws. But without awareness, they can create distance between friendships, relationships, and workplaces. 

Breaking the cycle of isolation 

Research in the Journal of Attention Disorders (2024) and Aging & Mental Health (2024) has shown that social isolation can affect people with ADHD at every age, from adolescence through later life, often linked to low self-esteem, exhaustion, or fear of rejection. Experts suggest that learning structured coping and communication skills can rebuild confidence and social connections. 

According to NICE guideline NG87, adults with ADHD should be offered structured supportive psychological interventions such as CBT, psychoeducation, or coaching. These approaches aim to improve emotional regulation, planning, and self-management, helping people feel more capable of social engagement. A 2022 Frontiers in Psychology review found that CBT and group-based programmes can reduce isolation and improve self-esteem, particularly when participants connect with peers who share similar experiences. 

Finding community and support 

Practical resources can make a real difference. Mind recommends joining ADHD-specific support groups or online communities to share experiences and reduce feelings of difference. NHS local services such as City & Hackney’s ADHD Support Pack and NHS Dorset’s neurodiversity programmes offer group courses, forums, and peer-led learning, all shown to boost connection and belonging. 

Reassuring takeaway 

Feeling isolated with ADHD is common, but it is not permanent. According to NICE and RCPsych, psychosocial support, therapy, and peer communities can help adults rebuild confidence, communication, and connection. With understanding and support, ADHD does not have to mean isolation; it can become a bridge to finding people who truly get you. 

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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