ADHD: Relationships & Online Communities

Written By Dr. Cristina Louk

Online Community

With the rise of online communities and groups, more people with ADHD are turning to these platforms for guidance and support.

Many adults with ADHD struggle with making friends and keeping relationships due to the stigma surrounding ADHD. However, having a supportive friend or family member can help them stay on track with their responsibilities and feel like they are part of a community. With the rise of online communities and groups, more people with ADHD are turning to these platforms for guidance and support.

Recently, Ginapp and associates conducted a study on the relationship between ADHD, interpersonal relationships, and online communities. They found that younger adults with ADHD often struggle with relationships with neurotypical peers due to the stigma surrounding ADHD. However, they had a better time developing relationships with others who also have ADHD. Ginapp and associates confirmed that these young adults with ADHD are seeking community through online groups. While these communities were seen as positive overall, they do come with some drawbacks, such as the spread of misdiagnosis and the uptick of self-diagnosed ADHDers. The researchers noted that branding normal experiences as symptoms of ADHD may lead to people falsely believing they have the condition.

Overall, having a supportive community can be crucial for adults with ADHD to thrive. Online communities can offer a place for people with ADHD to connect with others who understand their experiences, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks of misinformation. More research is needed to understand how best to support adults with ADHD in their interpersonal relationships and their symptoms.

References

Ginapp, C. M., Greenberg, N. R., Macdonald-Gagnon, G., Angarita, G. A., Bold, K. W., & Potenza, M. N. (2023). The experiences of adults with ADHD in interpersonal relationships and online communities: A qualitative study. SSM-Qualitative Research in Health, 3, 100223.

Dr. Cristina Louk

Hi! I am Dr. Cristina Louk and I help ADHDers just like you: ones that are tired of feeling isolated overwhelmed, or disconnected and ones that are ready to live their BEST life.

I can help you have more confidence, experience more happiness, and feel more in control of your future.

Many of today’s solutions for ADHD are a one-size fits all approach which leads many to feel unheard. However, I know your circumstances are unique, so I provide you with an integrative approach that is personalized and tailored to your life and your personal goals.

My training in neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, and Learning Disorders) means that I have the expertise you need and deserve when learning how to minimize your ADHD challenges and maximize your ADHD strengths. But at the end of the day, you want to know you’re working with someone who “gets” what it means to be someone who wants to succeed in life but who also struggles with ADHD, right?

I get it because I also have ADHD and have learned firsthand how to overcome its many challenges. I know how hard it is to live with ADHD, and how easy it is to use skills that help me reach my goals. So when we work together, you won’t just get a trained therapist. You’ll get someone who truly understands what you are going through.

https://www.peacehumanistic.com
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