The fascinating and complex impact ADHD can have on intimacy, sex and dating

As ADHDers, we often struggle in our intimate lives. Impulsivity can lead to risky sexual behaviours. Distractibility makes focusing on a partner tricky. Emotional dysregulation and RSD cause us to lash out at loved ones, or feel crushed by perceived rejection. We can be either really into it, or not at all. Sensory issues and medication can have a negative impact too. 

 It's no wonder studies show we tend to have more partners and start being sexually active at a younger age compared to neurotypicals. We also have nearly double the divorce rate - around 60-70% of us have relationship problems. 

Dating can be disastrous too - we often overlook red flags and are prone to people pleasing, making us far more vulnerable to unhealthy relationships. 

But it's not all doom and gloom! Our spontaneity, creativity and high sex drives can make us exciting and adventurous bedroom partners. We're open-minded experimenters. We can be lots more fun, warm and affectionate if the circumstances are right. 

While research specifically on ADHD is limited, anecdotally, many ADHDers report similar experiences. I'll be sharing my personal journey too - from disastrous dates to learning how to be authentic in my relationship and finding the right partner in my late 40s (oversharing and all).

Whether you're single and ready to mingle, stuck in a intimacy rut, just curious, or a bit ‘meh’, get ready to explore the fascinating, complex, and sometimes challenging world of ADHD's impact on sex, intimacy, and dating! 

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