This was a cross-sectional self-report study of 64 adults with ADHD, aged 19 to 80, recruited around a Canadian university community. Most were women (76.6%), White or European (87.5%), and well educated. The study looked at whether certain social and personal factors were linked to how well people managed everyday tasks.
Adults who reported more social support tended to have fewer everyday difficulties, even after the researchers accounted for ADHD symptom severity, depression, and anxiety. This held for practical help, a sense of belonging, and support that boosted self-esteem. Self-esteem support had the strongest link (r = -0.397). Together these support types explained about 8 to 16 percent of the differences in functioning. ADHD symptom severity itself explained the most, around 40 percent.
Positive childhood experiences were linked to better functioning in community activities, sexual relations, and self-care. But conscientiousness, extraversion, problem-focused coping, and positive childhood experiences were not linked to overall functioning.
Social support did not weaken the link between ADHD severity and functioning. Its apparent benefits showed up regardless of how severe symptoms were.
The authors suggest, tentatively and pending long-term research, that building self-esteem and social connection through supportive relationships may support everyday functioning for adults with ADHD.
Source: Javeria Atique, Himanthri Weerawardhena, Emma A. Climie, et al.. Distracted, hyperactive, and thriving: factors supporting everyday functioning in adults with ADHD. BMC Psychiatry (2025). doi:10.1186/s12888-025-06804-5