When intense feels normal: ADHD and abusive relationships

Research shows that girls with ADHD are significantly more likely to experience intimate partner violence.

Dr. Emily Rothman, who recently published a study on dating violence in neurodivergent youth, joins Cate to talk about what the research actually shows.

They discuss why ADHD symptoms might make it harder to recognize abuse. They also cover how to tell ordinary relationship conflict from patterns of coercive control.

Cate and Emily talk openly about why leaving is rarely a single decision, and how to support a friend or family member who’s trying to get out. They also get into the uncomfortable fact that there are higher rates of ADHD among abuse perpetrators.

This episode discusses domestic violence, coercive control, and sexual abuse. If you or someone you know needs support:

National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7): 1-800-799-7233

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Love Is Respect (dating abuse), call or text: 1-866-331-9474