“Is My Relationship Toxic?” A Quiz for Adults with ADHD
No one is immune to toxic relationships. Individuals with ADHD, however, may be especially vulnerable to experiencing emotional abuse in the form of gaslighting, love bombing, and other manipulation tactics in a relationship.“Adults with ADHD may be more vulnerable to gaslighting due to issues with self-esteem, difficulty with past relationships, and feelings of guilt and shame,” writes Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D., a psychotherapist and the author of Healing from Toxic Relationships: 10 Essential Steps to Recover from Gaslighting, Narcissism, and Emotional Abuse.Gaslighting and other forms of emotional abuse, according to Sarkis, are pervasive and purposeful efforts (overt or covert) from an abuser to gain power and control over a victim.
Emotional abuse is not to be confused with problems, like communication challenges, that can plague an otherwise healthy relationship.Answer these questions to see if you may be in a toxic, emotionally abusive relationship. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
For anonymous, confidential help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting “START” to 88788.
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