For example, they may be seen as poor listeners due to being forgetful and distracted.
Nevertheless, more research in this area is needed before any confirmations can be made.
Why Are People With ADHD More Susceptible to Abuse?
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People with ADHD can be highly susceptible to toxic relationships for various reasons.
Higher Need for Dopamine
For people with ADHD, stimulating and enjoyable activities hold their attention best.
While “boring” relationships can be challenging for anyone, the ADHD brain consistently craves stimulation and dopamine.
People with ADHD can find themselves innately drawn to relationships with quick, intense beginnings.
And this is why pursuing relationships that causehyper-fixationsand deep feelings ofinfatuationcan result in problems down the line.
Additionally, previous experiences of violence and maltreatment are documented risk factors for subsequent IPV.
What Does the Research Say?
Thus, their work highlighted young women with ADHD as a vulnerable group needing IPV prevention and intervention.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
just call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
However, what makes a toxic relationship distinct is that these issues are persistent and occur long-term.
This is because relationships are dynamic and unique to those within the partnership.
That said, there are various general ways people can protect themselves and cope within them.
This involves changing unhealthy behaviors, respecting each others boundaries, and even seeking help from a therapist.
In this case, breaking the cycle would mean finally letting go.
It is important to note that this step does not apply to abuse in relationships.
Abuse is never OK; in these instances, the most important thing is protecting yourself.
However, for a relationship to work, both parties must feel heard, secure, and protected.
Instead, a healthier way to communicate would highlight mutual understanding and learning.
That said, recognizing past behaviors is also vital.
Therefore, there needs to be a mutual acceptance of responsibility.
This awareness of previous habits can also offer a possible avenue of inner work that needs to take place.
Working with a licensed mental health professional could be beneficial for these individuals.
They may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy or offer tools to work on any triggers.
That said, if you are dealing with abuse, it is vital that you get help right away.
Remember, some relationships are only meant to last a season, and leaving doesnt mean you wasted time.
Leaving is always an option.
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) definition.
2012;43(3):68.
Published online November 2008:893. doi:10.2147%2Fndt.s2627
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About intimate partner violence.
1996;70(6):13271343. doi:10.1037//00223514.70.6.1327
