Breaking Out of ADHD Relationship Dysfunction—After Not Breaking a Fall

05/20/23 • 34 min

This is the audio version of one of the most popular posts at the ADHD Roller Coaster blog:

"Breaking Out of ADHD Relationship Dysfunction—After Not Breaking a Fall"

Read the full post here: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/the-basics/breaking-out-of-adhd-relationship-dysfunction-after-not-breaking-a-fall/

In this episode, I share a personal story that reveals hard-earned insights about ADHD, relationships, and what it takes to break out of long-standing patterns. My hope is that it helps smooth your ride—more fun, less whiplash.

Here’s what we cover:

How ADHD relationship patterns become entrenched—often before diagnosis
Why distorted assumptions and poor coping responses develop on both sides
How to distinguish ADHD symptoms from these ingrained behaviors
Why even good medication or therapy may not produce results—unless you understand this

These are issues I’ve tackled in my writing and presentations around the world—from San Francisco to Turkey.

Related episode:
ADHD, Empathy, and Dopamine – Podcast: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-and-relationships/empathy-dopamine-and-adhd-a-study-book-excerpt-and-definition/

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

This is the audio version of one of the most popular posts at the ADHD Roller Coaster blog:

"Breaking Out of ADHD Relationship Dysfunction—After Not Breaking a Fall"

Read the full post here: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/the-basics/breaking-out-of-adhd-relationship-dysfunction-after-not-breaking-a-fall/

Here’s what we cover:

How ADHD relationship patterns become entrenched—often before diagnosis
Why distorted assumptions and poor coping responses develop on both sides
How to distinguish ADHD symptoms from these ingrained behaviors
Why even good medication or therapy may not produce results—unless you understand this

These are issues I’ve tackled in my writing and presentations around the world—from San Francisco to Turkey.

Related episode:
ADHD, Empathy, and Dopamine – Podcast: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-and-relationships/empathy-dopamine-and-adhd-a-study-book-excerpt-and-definition/

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

Previous Episode

What's Up with Concerta and General Stimulant Shortage?

This episode is the audio version of an important blog post, where I break down urgent issues affecting many ADHD medication users:

What’s going on with the Concerta authorized-generic (the brand-name product sold as a generic by Patriot, a Janssen subsidiary)?
What’s the status of the ADHD stimulant shortage that began in late 2022?
Most importantly: What can you do now to protect your treatment and advocate for yourself or your loved one?

Read the full post here:
Janssen Quietly Ends Concerta Authorized-Generic
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-medications/janssen-quietly-ends-concerta-authorized-generic/

The post includes important clarifications, links, and reader comments.

Quick clarification mentioned in the podcast:
Many readers have asked: Will Janssen continue manufacturing Concerta?
Janssen is still producing Concerta at its Puerto Rico facility—but questions remain about its continued use of the OROS technology (Alza’s patented delivery system). Janssen began phasing out its California production site in 2019, but details are scarce. Consumers are often the last to know. Janssen does not return my phone calls or answer emails.

Is Medication Working for You or Your Loved One?
If you suspect your prescriber is missing key factors—especially around medication options beyond Concerta, Adderall, or Vyvanse—you’re likely right.

Tips, tricks, and therapy are often not enough. Sometimes, real progress starts with understanding how physical health affects ADHD symptoms and medication response.

🎓 Take a deep dive into ADHD as a physical condition in Course 2 of my online training program:
Solve Your Adult ADHD Puzzle – Course 2: Physical Strategies
Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/course-2-physical-strategies

This course focuses on:

Sleep
Medication
Nutrition
Exercise
And more

Sophisticated science—made practical.
Step-by-step. Life-changing. Even life-saving.

Perfect for individuals, couples, and professionals.

🆓 Preview free lessons at the course page above!

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

Next Episode

Cyclothymia and ADHD — A Risk Factor or Misdiagnosis?

This episode is the audio version of a popular blog post—all about overlap—and confusion—between Cyclothymia (a mood disorder) and ADHD.

📝 Read the full post here:
Cyclothymia and ADHD: A Risk Factor—or Misdiagnosis?
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/the-basics-about-adult-adhd/cyclothymia-and-adhd-a-risk-factor-or-misdiagnosis/

In this episode, I explore the risks of misdiagnosis and the fallout from confusing mood instability with core ADHD traits. Many individuals with ADHD are misdiagnosed with mood disorders—and prescribed medications that may worsen their symptoms.

You’ll learn: