Are ADHD and Narcissism Related? An ADHD Myth Debunked

ADHD gets a bad rap sometimes. People with ADHD are often called lazy, too sensitive, too emotional, and rude. Many of us have heard all our lives that there’s something inherently broken or wrong about us. It’s true that ADHD can create difficulties with emotional regulation, emotional sensitivity, and distractibility. But is there a link between ADHD and narcissism? Are neurodivergent people more likely to also be narcissistic?

In another ADHD myth-debunking article (check out the first one right here), I’ll explain why ADHD and narcissism sometimes get confused – and whether there’s any real clout to this theory.

ADHD and Narcissism: The Breakdown

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes challenges with attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. People with ADHD experience difficulties in areas like executive functioning, self-control, and emotional regulation. 

If you have ADHD, you probably know the struggle of accidentally losing focus during a conversation, being unable to keep your space organized, interrupting others, and trying (and often failing) to complete unexciting tasks or pay attention to boring things. These challenges stem from neurological differences and can have a big impact on your relationships, jobs, and daily life.

Narcissism is a complex personality disorder that expresses as a desire for attention and admiration, inflated sense of self, and an overall lack of empathy for others. 

Both ADHD and Narcissistic Personality Disorder are stigmatized in society, and both can cause significant impairments in social and relational issues. Both also tend to have comorbid disorders. For instance, anxiety frequently accompanies ADHD, and NPD can occur alongside other personality disorders (such as Borderline Personality Disorder) and depression. People with ADHD and NPD may self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, which may lead to substance abuse issues.

Both disorders can result from a combination of genetic and environmental reasons. People who live with ADHD and NPD don’t choose their disorders, and both disorders can cause significant suffering.

Why are ADHD and Narcissism Confused?

Similarities between ADHD and NPD do exist. People with both disorders often have challenges with interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. And while the two disorders can be comorbid, each disorder has unique challenges and symptoms. 

ADHD Symptoms

There are three diagnosable subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. 

Inattentive ADHD includes the following symptoms: 

• Distractibility (starts one task then begins another without finishing the first; easily sidetracked)
• Loses focus when trying to complete tasks or when being spoken to
• Difficulty paying attention, especially for long periods of time
• Difficulty with organization
• Avoids things and situations that require a lot of mental effort
• Experiences everyday memory issues, including losing track of belongings

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD includes the following symptoms:

• Restlessness
• Fidgeting 
• Interrupts or intrudes in conversations
• Has difficulty waiting
• Excessive talking 

Combined ADHD includes symptoms from both other types. 

Other lesser-known ADHD symptoms are emotional in nature, such as: 

• Overwhelm
• Mood swings
• Rejection sensitivity
• Low frustration tolerance
• High highs and low lows
• Difficulty dealing with life stresses

NPD Symptoms

Narcissistic Personality Disorder has the following 9 criteria for diagnosis:

1. Exaggerated sense of self-importance
2. Preoccupied by visions of success, power, beauty, or knowledge
3. Belief in one’s superior status
4. Requires excessive admiration from others
5. Feels entitled to special treatment
6. Purposely takes advantage of others for their own personal gain
7. Lacks empathy for others
8. Experiences envy and believes others are envious of them
9. Arrogance in behaviors and attitudes

People with NPD often experience strong anger and rage. These emotions tend to be directed at others, especially if a situation doesn’t align with how they believe it should be.

Shared Symptoms Between ADHD and Narcissism

For ADHD brains, your inattention can make it seem like you don’t care about others, and your hyperactivity can cause you to talk in excess– sometimes inappropriately. Maybe you’ve gotten feedback from a frustrated friend or partner that you interrupt, talk about yourself, or center conversations around yourself too frequently. The ADHD difficulty with impulsivity is real, and can lead to awkward social dynamics and even social anxiety.  

ADHD symptoms that can look like narcissism include:

• Impulsivity
• Speaking out of turn
• Self-centeredness (or talking about oneself) 
• Difficulty regulating emotions (anger, mood swings, etc.)

The Difference Between ADHD and Narcissism 

One key difference between ADHD and narcissism comes down to mood expression. Both disorders can lead to dysregulated emotions such as anger. Among ADHDers, this can happen because of impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms. Emotional symptoms of narcissism tend to be more intense and directed outward at others. People with NPD sometimes have explosive, vindictive, and even aggressive behaviors. This typically happens because of NPD’s sense of entitlement, lack of empathy, and arrogance.

People with ADHD are also much more likely to experience learned coping behaviors such as people-pleasing and perfectionism. While both narcissism and ADHD have low self-esteem at their core, people with NPD don’t tend to be aware of this and may not care about fitting in at all. They want admiration and attention, but they tend to think of themselves as superior to everyone else. Folks with ADHD often fight their wholes lives to be accepted by others and worry they’re not good enough.

Another key difference is that people with ADHD tend to be distressed about their symptoms and interpersonal challenges. They typically want to make changes and improve their relationships. Those with NPD, on the other hand, may be unaware or unconcerned about the affect their behaviors have on themselves or others. Thus, they may be less likely to seek treatment and get better. 

The ADHD Narcissism Myth Debunked

As you can see, ADHD and narcissism share some similar symptoms, but they are very different disorders. However, recent research sheds light on a possible comorbidity link between the two disorders. Thus, it’s possible to have ADHD narcissism, or a combination of the two.

If you think you may have both, consult a doctor for further testing and diagnosis. No matter what you’re dealing with, treatment is available. 

Ongoing Support For ADHD

ADHD is accompanied by a lot of symptoms that can be distressing and, when not properly acknowledged or managed, can result in patterns that end up hurting you and the relationships in your life.

As a therapist and coach, I know how exhausting it feels to have to navigate the negative symptoms of your neurodivergence. If you’re struggling, I see you. And if you want support in living a more aligned and authentic life with ADHD, I’m here for you.

I’m here to help you:

• Figure out how to shed old learned coping behaviors that are keeping you stuck
• Address underlying anxiety
• Overcome unhelpful, sabotaging behaviors
• Learn healthy emotional regulation skills to improve your relationships

Learn more about my therapy services (including EMDR and talk therapy) if you’re located in Idaho or Iowa. For all other locations, check out my coaching services. My coaching program offers all the same expertise, tools, and guidance as therapy in a direct and goal-oriented approach that you can benefit from anywhere. 

‍Reach out today to schedule a complimentary consultation and see if we’re a good fit. Let’s start building a better future together.