ADHD and dating: Why breakups feel like withdrawal
Description
Breakups are hard for everyone. But for women with ADHD, they can feel all-consuming. Dr. J unpacks why heartbreak hits harder when you have ADHD — and how your brain’s reward system, emotional regulation, and executive functions all get thrown off balance.
You’ll learn science-backed strategies to stop the mental replay loop, manage impulsivity, and start healing with compassion. If you’ve ever felt “too much” after a breakup, this episode is for you.
For more on this topic:
- Listen: Dr. J’s breakup playlist
- Listen: ADHD and emotional regulation
- Listen: ADHD and dating: Why crushes feel so intense
- Listen: ADHD and dating: Why casual dating never feels casual
Timestamps:
(00:47 ) Why heartbreak feels like withdrawal for ADHD brains
(01:26 ) How emotional intensity and slower recovery amplify grief
(02:54 ) The science behind stress, distraction, and impulsivity
(06:24 ) Practical tools to interrupt mental replay and reclaim focus
(09:48 ) Using your ADHD traits to support recovery and renewal
For a transcript and more resources, visit MissUnderstood on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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