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How ADHD-Related Difficulties Affect Professional Relationships 

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

ADHD doesn’t just influence attention or productivity; it also shapes how people communicate, collaborate and build trust at work. According to the NHS, adults with ADHD commonly struggle with concentration, organisation, following instructions and regulating emotions, all of which can create tensions with colleagues or managers when they’re misunderstood as carelessness rather than symptoms of a condition (NHS: ADHD in adults). 

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Communication Breakdowns 

Working-memory and attention difficulties mean people with ADHD may drift off in meetings, forget what was agreed or miss details. NHS workplace guides note that this can look like not listening or being unreliable, even when the person is trying their best (Berkshire NHS ADHD Guide). 
NICE NG87 highlights that these challenges often lead to functional impairments in both work and social relationships, reinforcing the need for structured support (NICE NG87). 

Interruptions and Impulsivity 

The Royal College of Psychiatrists reports that adults with ADHD may interrupt, talk excessively or switch topics abruptly, behaviours that can feel rude or dominating in professional settings (RCPsych: ADHD in adults). 
These impulsive communication patterns can cause others to avoid involving them in collaborative discussions or decision-making. 

Emotional Reactions and Conflict 

Emotional dysregulation, recognised in both NHS and peer-reviewed research, can lead to strong visible reactions to stress, frustration or criticism (Emotion Dysregulation Study). 
Colleagues may interpret these reactions as unprofessional or unpredictable, which can strain working relationships or team cohesion. 

Follow-Through and Reliability Issues 

Executive-function difficulties; such as challenges with planning, prioritising and remembering commitments can affect reliability. Missing deadlines or forgetting shared tasks may unintentionally undermine trust within teams (CNWL ADHD Adjustments). 

Sensitivity to Feedback 

Research shows that adults with higher ADHD symptoms often have greater rejection sensitivity, making them more likely to interpret neutral or constructive feedback as criticism (JAD Rejection Sensitivity Study). 
This can lead to defensiveness, withdrawal or anxiety around performance reviews. 

Stigma and Misunderstanding 

Umbrella reviews and Healthwatch reports reveal that many workplaces still misinterpret ADHD-related behaviours as laziness, disorganisation or poor attitude (Healthwatch ADHD Report). 
Misunderstanding creates conflict, reduces psychological safety and makes employees less likely to disclose their needs or request adjustments. 

What Helps Improve Professional Relationships? 

NICE and ACAS both recommend structured support and environmental adjustments, such as: 

  • Clear written instructions 
  • Shared task lists 
  • Regular 1-to-1 check-ins 
  • Reduced distractions 

NHS and trust-level guidance also emphasise tools such as note-taking in meetings, using reminders and breaking tasks into steps (NHS ADHD Resource Packs). 

A systematic review of ADHD workplace interventions shows that combining medication, psychoeducation, CBT-based strategies, coaching and adjustments can improve communication, consistency and team relationships (Workplace ADHD Interventions Review). 

Takeaway  

ADHD-related challenges can affect professional relationships by disrupting communication, follow-through and emotional tone, but these difficulties are manageable and not character flaws. With understanding, structure and appropriate workplace adjustments, individuals with ADHD can build strong, collaborative, healthy professional relationships. 

Phoebe Carter, MSc
Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

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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