{"id":17413,"date":"2022-05-04T08:15:48","date_gmt":"2022-05-04T06:15:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/?p=17413"},"modified":"2024-10-11T18:29:55","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T16:29:55","slug":"adhd-and-attachment-theory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.attachmentproject.com\/blog\/adhd-and-attachment-theory\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is ADHD? How Does It Relate to Attachment?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Attachment theory and ADHD<\/strong> are topics that most of us wouldn\u2019t think to associate with each other. Yet, attachment disorders and ADHD are strongly linked, meaning that an insecure attachment style<\/a> has the potential to worsen ADHD symptoms – even in adulthood. However, understanding how attachment can influence ADHD and vice versa can help us to figure out the best ways to manage both conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The ability to pay attention is an important skill that most of us take for granted. It is similar to highlighting text in a workbook; we focus on the specific details that we\u2019ve spotlighted while tuning out the other less important information. This ability to \u201chighlight\u201d is essential. We only have a limited amount of attentional resources, so we need to use them in the best way possible for us to make sense of our world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paying attention allows us to focus, learn, stay safe, and create and maintain social bonds<\/a>. Yet, for some of us, paying attention is one of the most difficult tasks. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that impacts how we feel and behave, as those with it can seem restless, struggle with concentrating, and can be impulsive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Introduction to ADHD<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Most cases of ADHD are diagnosed in children when they start to attend school<\/a> and are required to focus their attention in formal environments. For this reason, it was historically acknowledged as a childhood-specific disorder. However, more recently, research demonstrated that children with ADHD don\u2019t just \u201cgrow out of\u201d their symptoms. In fact, according to The National Institute of Mental Health<\/em>, approximately 4.4% of adults have ADHD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast to the difficulties with hyperactivity and impulsivity that children with ADHD tend to encounter, adults with the condition are more prone to a lack of mental focus, memory problems, and restlessness. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, a later diagnosis may mean that strategies were never put in place to manage the symptoms of ADHD. Consequently, these symptoms can have a serious effect on people’s quality of life, relationships, and careers unless measures are taken to manage them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, The Attachment Project<\/em> is not choosing to just randomly deviate into developmental disorders. There’s a strong association between attachment theory<\/a> and ADHD. Of course, we\u2019re not suggesting that everyone with ADHD will have an insecure attachment style. Still, the connection does lead to the question of whether treating ADHD as attachment deficit hyperactivity disorder in some instances could help some people optimize positive changes in their behaviors, outlook, and relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For these reasons, in this article, we will cover:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n