Breakups are hard for everyone. But for women with ADHD, they can feel all-consuming. Dr. J unpacks why heartbreak hits harder when you have ADHD — and how your brain’s reward system, emotional regulation, and executive functions all get thrown off balance. 

You’ll learn science-backed strategies to stop the mental replay loop, manage impulsivity, and start healing with compassion. If you’ve ever felt “too much” after a breakup, this episode is for you.

For more on this topic: 

• Listen: Dr. J’s breakup playlist
• Listen: ADHD and emotional regulation
• Listen: ADHD and dating: Why crushes feel so intense
• Listen: ADHD and dating: Why casual dating never feels casual

Timestamps:  

(00:47) Why heartbreak feels like withdrawal for ADHD brains

(01:26) How emotional intensity and slower recovery amplify grief

(02:54) The science behind stress, distraction, and impulsivity

(06:24) Practical tools to interrupt mental replay and reclaim focus

(09:48) Using your ADHD traits to support recovery and renewal

For a transcript and more resources, visit MissUnderstood on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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