A small minority of ADHD children (< 10%) exhibit secure attachment styles, with attachment security decreasing with the severity of ADHD symptoms. However, those who do have secure attachment styles are at a decreased risk of anxiety and depression.

ADHD: Secure Attachment

ADHD individuals are at a higher risk of insecure attachment in comparison to those without ADHD. The majority of these cases of insecure attachment are cases of anxious attachment, with those who have anxious attachment avoiding interpersonal relationships and being prone to anxiety and depression. Few individuals with ADHD have avoidant attachment However, ADHD individuals with avoidant attachment have been shown to be less susceptible to anxiety and depression.

ADHD: Insecure Attachment

A parent’s manner of attachment impacts the severity of ADHD in their children. The children of mothers who exhibit insecure attachment have an increased risk of hyperactivity and become heightened dependent upon the prevalence of their mother’s insecure attachment. However, when it comes to fathers, the risk of ADHD hyperactivity only increases in cases of paternal depression. A father’s insecure attachment does not impact the child’s ADHD.

ADHD and Parental Attachment

- ADHD: Insecure Attachment
- ADHD: Secure Attachment
- ADHD and Parental Attachment

Grinnell College

Those diagnosed with ADHD often find that their ADHD diagnosis impacts the strength and stability of their relationships. Some examples of potentially affected relationships include childhood friendships, familial relationships, romantic partnerships, and relationships with oneself.

Relationships and ADHD

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Ahlberg, R., Du Rietz, E., Ahnemark, E., Andersson, L. M., Werner-Kiechle, T., Lichtenstein, P., Larsson, H., & Garcia-Argibay, M. (2023). Real-life instability in ADHD from young to middle adulthood: a nationwide register-based study of social and occupational problems. BMC psychiatry, 23(1), 336. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04713-z

Anastopoulos, A.D., Sommer, J.L. & Schatz, N.K. ADHD and family functioning. Curr Atten Disord Rep 1, 167–170 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12618-009-0023-2

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Beaton, D.M., Sirois, F. & Milne, E. Self-compassion and Perceived Criticism in Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Mindfulness 11, 2506–2518 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01464-w

Chronis-Tuscano, A., Raggi, V.L., Clarke, T.L. et al. Associations between Maternal Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Parenting. J Abnorm Child Psychol 36, 1237–1250 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-008-9246-4

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Cueli, M., Rodríguez, C., Cañamero, L. M., Núñez, J. C., & González-Castro, P. (2020). Self-Concept and Inattention or Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptomatology: The Role of Anxiety. Brain sciences, 10(4), 250. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10040250

Gardner, D. M., & Gerdes, A. C. (2015). A Review of Peer Relationships and Friendships in Youth With ADHD. Journal of attention disorders, 19(10), 844–855. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054713501552

Hertz, P. G., Turner, D., Barra, S., Biedermann, L., Retz-Junginger, P., Schöttle, D., & Retz, W. (2022). Sexuality in Adults With ADHD: Results of an Online Survey. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.868278

Kordahji, H., Ben-David, S. & Elkana, O. Attachment Anxiety Moderates the Association Between ADHD and Psychological Distress. Psychiatr Q 92, 1711–1724 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-021-09919-6

Mccoy D.(2004). The relationship between adult ADHD and romantic attachment style (Doctoral dissertation). Capella University, MN.

Mikami, A. Y., & Pfiffner, L. J. (2008). Sibling Relationships Among Children With ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 11(4), 482–492. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054706295670

Moyá, J., Stringaris, A. K., Asherson, P., Sandberg, S., & Taylor, E. (2014). The impact of persisting hyperactivity on social relationships: a community-based, controlled 20-year follow-up study. Journal of attention disorders, 18(1), 52–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054712436876

Pazvantoglu O., Karabekiroglu K., Sarisoy G., Baykal S., Zabun K., Akbas S.,. . .Sahin A. R. (2011). The relationship of adult ADHD and attachment style. Anadolu Psikiyatri Dergisi, 12, 274-279.

Robin, Arthur & Payson, Eleanor. (2002). The impact of ADHD on marriage. Adhd Report, The. 10. 9-14. 10.1521/adhd.10.3.9.20553

Sandra Kooij, J.J. (2018). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intimate Relationships and Sexuality. In: Jannini, E., Siracusano, A. (eds) Sexual Dysfunctions in Mentally Ill Patients. Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68306-5_7

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Relationships and ADHD References

Beaton, D. M., Sirois, F., & Milne, E. (2022). The role of self-compassion in the mental health of adults with ADHD. Journal of clinical psychology, 78(12), 2497–2512. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23354

The role of self-compassion in the mental health of adults with ADHD

ADHD and Attachment Theory

The vast majority of children with ADHD (50-70%) have some difficulty with creating and maintaining peer relationships and childhood friendships; roughly the same percent (56-76%) do not have any reciprocated friendships. The lack of these relationships has been shown to lead to internalized negativity, future substance abuse, and an increased risk of social dysfunction as they mature into adulthood

ADHD and Childhood Friendships

- Parents and ADHD
- ADHD and Sibling Relationships

ADHD and Familial Relationships

- Martial Relationships
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexual Orientation

ADHD and Partnership

Those with ADHD are at a significantly higher risk of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, due to their low levels of self-compassion. ADHD individuals also tend to internalize instances of real and perceived criticism and feel isolated from society, furthering their isolation and unhealthy mental state.

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