E278: How ADHD Women Are Vulnerable to Toxic Partners

E278: How ADHD Women Are Vulnerable to Toxic Partners

Author: Patricia Sung | ADHD Coach for Moms with ADHD November 20, 2025 Duration: 20:42

Ever wonder why so many women with ADHD end up in relationships that drain them? You're not alone -- and it's not a coincidence.

After hosting another magical ADHD moms' retreat, I couldn't shake the conversations we had around partners -- some amazing, others... deeply painful. In this episode, I'm sharing the patterns I've seen over and over: women with ADHD stuck in emotionally abusive relationships, often with narcissistic partners. And honestly, it makes me furious.

We're digging into why this happens, how low self-esteem and a lifetime of gaslighting make us vulnerable, and how abusers prey on our empathy and longing for stability. I'm not a narcissism expert (yet), but I've got a stack of library books and a brain buzzing with questions. If you've ever doubted your gut or felt like your relationship was slowly chipping away at your sense of self, this one's for you.

Plus, I give a life and book update, talk about the whirlwind of writing with ADHD, and how I'm navigating deadlines, stomach flu, identity theft, and everything in between.

Want to be part of the book's beta reading team? Sign up at patriciasung.com/book

Add your name to the 2026 Retreat Waitlist: https://www.patriciasung.com/retreat-waitlist

Feeling overwhelmed? Grab my free reset video at patriciasung.com/calm

Big hugs, Successful Mama. You're not crazy – and you're not alone either.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-278-adhd-women-and-narcissists

Looking for support on how to treat your ADHD beyond medicine? Grab my free list of strategies and ADHD treatments at patriciasung.com/beyond-meds


Ever feel like you're running a marathon with no finish line in sight, while everyone else seems to be on a leisurely stroll? That mental clutter, the constant search for your keys, the guilt over forgotten appointments-it's not a personal failing. It's often the lived experience of motherhood when you're also navigating adult ADHD. Motherhood in ADHD is a space created specifically for that reality. Hosted by Patricia Sung, an ADHD coach who gets it because she lives it, this podcast digs into the intersection of a neurodivergent brain and the demands of raising a family. You'll find conversations that move beyond simple tips, offering brain-based science and practical strategies tailored for moms whose minds work differently. Episodes explore how to structure your days in a way that works with your ADHD, not against it, and rethink parenting approaches to reduce overwhelm for both you and your kids. It’s about education that leads to self-compassion, replacing shame with understanding. Tune in for honest talk about productivity that actually sticks, managing mental health, and building systems that acknowledge your unique wiring. This is more than just a podcast; it’s a companion for redefining what success looks like in your home and in your mind, helping you move from barely coping to truly thriving.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Motherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
Podcast Episodes
E237: What's the Point of ADHD Coaching? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:12
Feel like you've tried every hack & trick on the internet, only to find yourself still tossed around the rough seas of ADHD challenges? Well, grab a life jacket, and join me on this podcast journey as I share some salty…
E236: Celebrating the Journey to 1,000,000 Downloads! Live Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:15
Whoo-hoo! Today we're celebrating! This summer, we hit 1,000,000 downloads on the podcast!!! To celebrate, I hosted a live Q&A podcast episode last month and here it is… You all asked some amazing questions! You shared y…
E232: 1 Million Downloads! Let's Celebrate! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:31
WOW! IT HAPPENED!!! The Motherhood in ADHD Podcast hit 1 million downloads!!! And it's all because of you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! It's because of you that we've made it this far :) And it goes to show HOW MANY…
E230: Help Your Child Sleep Better with Heather Erickson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:36
Struggling with sleep at your house? Today's guest is Heather Erickson of Sleep and Beyond Consulting. Heather is a sleep coach that helps parents support their children for better sleep. No matter if you have a big kid…
E229: Putting Off Your Big Dreams & Goals as a Mom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:38
Are you feeling anxious or lazy cuz you're avoiding tasks you need or want to do? Do you want to achieve a big goal but think it isn't realistic right now? What if you *never* get around to the big dreams you have? *cue…
E228: Balancing Work, Family, and ADHD with Crystal Ware [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:13
How do you juggle growing professionally while also being a great mom and taking care of yourself? Meet today's guest, Crystal Ware. Crystal and I dive into a dual episode that is being aired both on my podcast and on he…