ADHD can have a profound impact on romantic relationships, affecting communication, daily functioning, and emotional dynamics. When one or both partners have ADHD, misunderstandings can easily arise. Forgetfulness, procrastination, and avoidance can sometimes be misinterpreted as a lack of care, when in reality, they are symptoms of ADHD-related executive dysfunction. Learning to depersonalise these behaviours and develop mutual understanding is crucial for maintaining a healthy and supportive relationship.

The interactions between these family roles create a complex and often toxic environment. The golden child and the scapegoat may find themselves in direct conflict, with the golden child siding with the narcissistic parent and reinforcing their judgments of the scapegoat. Meanwhile, the enabling parent may attempt to mediate but ultimately fails to challenge the narcissistic parent's control.

These dynamics leave everyone feeling emotionally strained. The golden child struggles with perfectionism and the pressure to uphold the family's idealized image. The scapegoat bears the brunt of blame and may feel isolated but is also more likely to break free. The enabling parent remains stuck in their cycle of avoidance, further deepening the dysfunction.

Additionally, children may grow to resent the enabling parent, straining their relationship. The enabling parent may feel confused and perceive this resentment as unfair, believing they have done everything possible to keep the family together. Meanwhile, the children, unaware of how their roles were unconsciously shaped by the narcissistic parent, may also develop resentment toward each other. This fosters a sense of distance, loneliness, and misunderstanding among family members.

Often, individuals within the family are unaware of how their roles have been determined by these complex dynamics, leading to misinterpretations of each other's actions and intentions. Recognizing these patterns is essential for breaking free from dysfunctional interactions and fostering healthier relationships.

Inauthenticity can show up in various ways. For instance, someone might pursue a career to meet parental expectations or societal standards, even if it doesn’t align with their passions. Others may suppress their personal beliefs or stay in unfulfilling relationships out of fear of judgment or loneliness. Many people adopt behaviors or lifestyles that feel disconnected from their true selves, neglect personal aspirations due to fear of failure, or prioritize material achievements as substitutes for genuine fulfillment. These patterns are often driven by a reluctance to face and confront difficult existential truths—such as

Existential psychotherapy emerged from existential philosophy, aiming to apply its concepts to practical therapeutic work. In essence, it is a form of applied philosophy. Existential psychotherapists use philosophical ideas to help clients address the big questions of life and find answers that are meaningful and relevant to them.

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These are questions that all of us, at certain points in our lives, have grappled with—questions that can leave us feeling stuck, anxious, depressed, or stagnant. The journey to finding answers is deeply personal and often challenging.

Understanding and Coping with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) in ADHD

What is RSD?
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is a common but often overlooked aspect of ADHD. It refers to the intense emotional response some people experience when they perceive rejection, criticism, or failure, even if none is intended. These reactions can be overwhelming, causing feelings of intense shame or failure, often out of proportion to the actual situation.