Does ADHD cause someone to be emotionally abusive?

One of my friends suggested to me that my boyfriend seems to be emotionally abusive towards me. He has ADHD so i try not to take some of the things he says to heart because of his irritability. I looked it up and he does some of the things that are defined as being 'emotionally abusive'. Is it possible that he is like this because of his ADHD?

It is not a direct result of ADD. I have it, too. We can be irritable, and on top of that, sometimes we also have trouble holding things in. So we may just spout out things, not noticing until it's too late! However, even though I don't take meds for it anymore, I have trained myself to deal with such problems.

You shouldn't ignore it. If he cares about you, he may appreciate it (eventually) if you tell him about the problem. I don't use ADD as an excuse to do or not do anything, and work hard to overcome it. And I don't expect anyone to be easy on me. Ignoring it does him no favors.

He is abusive because he is immature and insecure. You have no reason to put up with it. ADHD does not cause people to be abusive, though some people with ADHD try to excuse their behavior because they say they can't help themselves.
That's bull. Your boyfriend may have problems concentrating, sitting still, or over-talking, but he DOES have control over what comes out of his mouth. He is aware that what he says hurts you and he can stop it if he wanted to.
Do not overlook the "little" things he says. That only gives him permission to do it again and again, and each time a little worse, until you are used to being torn into and you are left raw and wide open for the abuse to become physical.
Do not fool yourself and say, "Oh, it's just the ADHD talking." If he cuts you down, challenge him on it.
If he doesn't change or he gets worse, make him your ex boyfriend. I have been there. I have been cut down to the point that my first husband tried repeatedly to kill me and I thought it was NORMAL!!!
If you think I am overreacting and thinking, "My boyfriend just isn't like that. He won't REALLY hurt me." call your local Domestic Violence hot-line. They deal with this stuff all the time from the light occasional insult all the way down to the mortal wounds. They are experts on the subject and they will tell you what I just did.

People with ADHD are often emotionally immature and this could account for emotional abuse, however, I suggest distancing yourself no matter what the reason for the abuse is. Physical abuse often starts with emotional abuse. It seems that he needs to grow up some before being in a relationship, it's his responsibility to do that for himself. You protect yourself.

In no way am I saying all people with ADHD or ADD are abusive, my son, husband, and dad are all ADHD and they are sweet and kind to everyone.

ADHD is a disorder of attention and hyperactivity. These two combined can be a cause of some irritability but does NOT cause emotional abuse. This, in agreement with the others, does not give an excuse for being abusive toward anyone else. Get yourslef out of an abusive relationship. It will hurt for now but, from just your asking the question on here... you seem to be a caring and warm individual. You deserve better than that.

it is possible but that does not excuse it !!!! if he has adhd then chances are , his relationships will suffer no matter if its with a relative or a lover . He needs to be on medication if hes emotionally abusive this is serious , you shouldn't have to suffer and take abuse no matter what is wrong with him ! he probly needs a therapist or someone that can help him not be emotional abusive. if he really loves you then he'll work on that .... you may have to ask your self if the relation ship is worth all the abuse you have to take

its possible. a lot of that is probably from lack of impulse control. he thinks after he says. also, social skills tend to be not very well developed either. so i guess those along wiht other factors could easily tie together to emootional abuse. you have to be understnding, and its great that you are, but you also have to let him know. not as great social skills partly means havinng trouble understanding the reactions and emotions of others well. so tell him he hurt your feelings or something, but keep being understanding like you already are.

Yes, it can, because I have it and I can be mean when I'm in a mood or feeling overstimulated, can't concentrate, etc., but have learned to control it alot over time... I'm 35 now and still not totally stable. I have irritability and unpredictable, impulsive, etc. Good book to read.. Adventures in Fastforeward - Life, Love and Work for the ADD adult by Kathleen G. Nadeau

NOte: These people talkin Sh*t about ADD/ADHD don't have a f'n clue how it effects people cuz they dont' have it. It really earks me. I've been tested I have it, I take medicine, but not stimulants and I still am struggling. It's like lacking the filter in your brain that prevents distractions. I can't explain it to anyone who doesn't have it, just read about it. It affects my life every day. I truly believe I wouldn't have done some ot the stupid stuff I have done or screwed up my life if I were more focused. and BTW there are 3 types of ADD/ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined....

P.S. That doesn't give him an excuse to be hateful tho, that is unacceptable and if you put up with it it WILL get worse... I promise, I know... I was in an abusive relationship 2 yrs ago...ugh. My bad totally, NEVER AGAIN

if you heard that ADHD causes abuse, would that make you feel better? Would you stay with him now and work with his sickness? Regardless, you shouldnt be in a relationship like this and he needs to figure out how to get help. If you accept unacceptable behavior for whatever reason, your boyfriend will believe it's okay and has no reason to change or get help.
Don't be his enabler.

Well first of all, ADHD is misdiagnosed all the time. I'm so tired of hearing people use it as an excuse for EVERYTHING. A woman I worked with used it all the time for everything she did wrong. It's so dumb because it's not even a real issue. That's why people who have it are crazy because they are put on Ritalin and said that will help them. Don't let it fool you, I highly doubt that's the reason at all. I'd dump him and move on...

ADHD has to do with attention and energy.

Emotional abuse has to do with personality.

The two are different.

I have ADHD, and i'm the sweetest person i know! All i know is that people steriotype people with ADD and ADHD...

So...no. It CAN be, but it's not forsure.