Parental exhaustion in parents with ADHD: Contributing factors and implications for interventions

Objective: Despite a growing body of research on adults with ADHD, little is known about how ADHD may impact parenting experiences. The current study addressed this gap, by examining parental exhaustion and its contributing factors in parents with ADHD. Method: Participants (n=118, 91.5% female) were parents who had been diagnosed (50%) or self-identified (50%) as having ADHD. Parents completed an online survey including measures of emotional exhaustion in the parental role and emotional distancing from one’s child. Demographic characteristics and measures of sensory sensitivity and perceived social and healthcare support were examined as potential contributing factors using linear regression models. Results: We observed four key findings. First, parents with ADHD reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, and to a lesser extent, emotional distancing. Second, emotional exhaustion and distancing showed few significant differences by demographic, diagnostic and family characteristics. Third, sensory sensitivity predicted both greater emotional exhaustion and distancing from one’s child. Fourth, parents’ feelings of isolation were associated with greater parental exhaustion, while reporting a strong support network and positive interactions with healthcare providers were protective. Conclusion: Experiences of parental exhaustion are common among parents with ADHD, particularly among parents who experience heightened sensory sensitivity and low social support. The findings suggest a greater need for neurodiversity-informed approaches to support for parents with ADHD.