Craving Drama and Starting Arguments When You Have ADHD
Harold Robert Meyer /The ADD Resource Center http://www.addrc.org/ 12/13/2023
Many people with ADHD crave drama and arguments because their brains crave stimulation. When the ADHD brain doesn’t have enough stimulation, it looks for ways to increase its activity. Being angry, argumentative, or antagonistic has an immediate stimulating effect on the brain. Negative stimulation delivers much more quickly and intensely than positive.
The tendency for drama to arise can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and strained connections.
Not all people with ADHD exhibit argumentative behavior.
There are other reasons why people with ADHD may be more likely to get into fights and arguments:
Impulsivity – People with ADHD often act or speak without thinking first. They may blurt things out without considering how it will make others feel or get frustrated more quickly, leading to outbursts. This impulsiveness can provoke arguments.
Emotional dysregulation – Those with ADHD often have intense emotional reactions and struggle to regulate their emotions. Minor frustrations may lead to disproportionate anger. Their strong emotional responses can escalate conflicts.
Rejection sensitivity – Many people with ADHD feel rejected or criticized more quickly due to previous negative experiences. They may perceive hostility or criticism where none was intended, provoking defensive or angry responses.
Poor communication skills – Individuals with ADHD often interrupt others, have trouble listening patiently, or struggle to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Miscommunications and misunderstandings can lead to unnecessary disputes.
Frustration and low self-esteem – ADHD symptoms like disorganization, forgetfulness, and poor focus can lead to chronic frustration and low self-esteem. Venting anger inappropriately may be an outlet for these complicated feelings.
Understanding the Impact on Business and Personal Relationships
Drama, negativity, and being argumentative will significantly impact both your business and personal relationships, often leading to strained interactions and decreased productivity. These traits can create a toxic work environment, reducing employee morale and hindering collaboration. It can also damage professional reputations and lead to the loss of clients or customers.
In personal relationships, these traits can erode trust, create tension, and even lead to the breakdown of relationships. Understanding the detrimental effects of drama is the first step in preventing it from negatively impacting your relationships.
Identifying Your Triggers
Identify the triggers that may lead to their occurrence to prevent these traits effectively. Some common triggers in individuals with ADHD include:
- Miscommunication: Misunderstandings due to poor communication can quickly escalate into hostile situations. Listen not to respond, but listen to understand. Observe tonality, volume, and body language.
- Impulsivity: Impulsive behavior can lead to impromptu reactions and heightened emotions.
- Hyperfocus: Becoming overly engrossed in one task or topic can cause neglect of other responsibilities.
- Sensory overload: You may become overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, leading to emotional outbursts and dramatic reactions.
- Others for you to add: _____________________________________________________
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I highly recommend reading your triggers out loud and often. Saying them out loud rather than just reading them will have an additional positive effect.
By recognizing your triggers, you may proactively be able to minimize the potential for drama in your relationships.
Conclusion
Living with ADHD doesn’t have to mean living with constant chaos. By implementing the practical tips, strategies, and advice provided here, you can prevent the need for drama from negatively impacting your business and personal relationships.
Harold Robert Meyer /The ADD Resource Center http://www.addrc.org/ 12/13/2023
For more than 30 years, Harold and the ADD Resource Center have provided compassionate guidance, ADHD and Life coaching, and quality information to children, individuals, couples, and healthcare providers, demystifying and destigmatizing ADHD.
To dig deeper:
https://www.addrc.org/how-to-disagree-without-drama/ How to Disagree Without Drama
https://www.addrc.org/why-do-some-people-with-adhd-come-across-as-self-centered-and-self-indulgent-when-they-might-not-be/ Why do Some People With ADHD Come Across as Self-Centered
https://www.addrc.org/how-to-practice-active-listening/ Active Listening
https://www.addrc.org/defining-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-rsd-as-it-relates-to-adhd/ RSD
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