Are friendships harder for adults with ADHD? 

Friendships can be more challenging for adults with ADHD, largely due to symptoms such as impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and attention difficulties. According to NICE NG87 (2025), these issues impact communication, causing misunderstandings and social inconsistency. Adults with ADHD may struggle with remembering social plans, arriving late, or speaking impulsively, which can frustrate friends or partners and weaken the relationship. 

How ADHD affects social connections 

As explained by Leicestershire Partnership NHS (2022), these challenges often lead to misinterpretation of actions, such as missed conversations or plans, as neglect or lack of care. RCPsych (2024) further highlights that impulsivity and emotional volatility make it difficult for individuals with ADHD to maintain stable, consistent friendships, leading to feelings of isolation. Comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can further exacerbate these challenges, as described by Morley et al. (2023). These conditions can cause social withdrawal, even when the individual desires connection. 

Support strategies and interventions 

To address these issues, NICE NG87 (2025) recommends structured interventions like CBT, behavioural coaching, and psychoeducation. These approaches help individuals with ADHD develop emotional regulation, improve social skills, and reduce misunderstandings in relationships. Mindfulness and group therapy are also shown to be effective in improving self-regulation and social functioning. 

Key takeaway 

Friendships are harder for adults with ADHD due to impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and time-management difficulties. With the right support, including CBT, psychoeducation, and structured strategies, ADHDers can strengthen their social connections and build lasting, meaningful relationships. 

For further support, services like ADHD Certify provide ADHD assessments and medication reviews for adults. 

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.