Why do friends get frustrated with someone who has ADHD? 

Friendships can be challenging for individuals with ADHD, particularly due to symptoms such as impulsivity, inattention, and emotional dysregulation. According to NHS England (2025), these traits can lead to unpredictable behaviour, making it difficult to maintain consistent, reliable social interactions. Friends may experience frustration when ADHD-related lapses, like forgetting plans or interrupting conversations, create misunderstandings and feelings of being undervalued. 

How ADHD symptoms affect friendships 

As noted by Berkshire Healthcare NHS (2024), ADHD symptoms such as poor memory, disorganised communication, and volatile moods often lead to social strain. Friends may interpret inconsistent attention or emotional reactivity as signs of neglect or indifference, even though the individual with ADHD may have the best intentions (RCPsych (2024)). These behaviours can lead to relationship fatigue, misunderstandings, and even social withdrawal over time (Morley et al. 2023). 

Coping strategies and support 

To reduce frustration, NICE guidance (NG87) recommends psychoeducation, CBT, and communication skills training for individuals with ADHD and their support networks. Mindfulness and behavioural coaching also help improve emotional regulation, self-awareness, and social interactions, leading to more stable friendships (The Lancet Psychiatry, Ostinelli et al. 2025). 

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

Key takeaway 

Frustration in friendships with someone who has ADHD often stems from impulsivity, inattention, and emotional volatility, which can lead to misunderstandings and inconsistency. However, with the right support, including CBT, mindfulness, and psychoeducation, individuals with ADHD and their friends can improve understanding and reduce social strain. 

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.