Call us: (714) 683-1472
e-mail: info@orangecoastpsychiatry.com
Book Appointment

ADHD Limerence: Comprehending The Link And Ways To Manage It

ADHD Limerence: Comprehending The Link And Ways To Manage It

Blog Outline

Back to Top

Have you ever had a crush that felt too strong? You couldn’t stop thinking about them; they started affecting your life. That intense feeling might be called limerence. People with ADHD can experience limerence even more strongly. It can make it hard to focus, cause emotional ups and downs, and even lead to unhealthy dependence on the person they’re fascinated with.

This article will explain what limerence is, what is the link between limerence and ADHD, and how to stop limerence or how to get out of limerence.

What Is Limerence?

Limerence is a word used to describe a very intense feeling of love or attraction towards someone. It’s more than just a crush; it’s a fierce obsession where you can’t stop thinking about the person. People who experience limerence often daydream about the person they’re obsessed with, and they have a strong urge to be around them or think about them all the time.

Critical Characteristics Of Limerence Include:

  • Intrusive Thoughts: Preoccupations with the person, intrusive thoughts that keep recurring and are difficult to repel.
  • Emotional Dependence: People with bipolar disorder may experience mood swings based on whether they feel someone likes them back or not.
  • Idealization: Looking for a supreme personality and not noticing the imperfections.
  • Fantasy and Rumination: Engaging in activities like spending time or time in fantasies concerning interactions and imaginative conversations.
  • Fear of Rejection: Not being liked back, rejected, or left alone.

How Does ADHD Intensify Limerence?

People with ADHD can have strong emotions and can get excited quickly. This makes them think how does limerence end? And does ADHD make you obsessive? They might struggle to control their feelings and focus on one thing at a time. Moreover, ADHD limerence can sometimes lead to several common mental health disorders such as Depression, OCD, Anxiety, Mood Disorder, MDD, Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, and lastly, Acute Stress. This can make limerence even more substantial and more complex to manage. Here are some ways ADHD can make limerence worse:

  • Obsession with the Loved One: 

People with limerence ADHD tend to focus intensely on things that interest them. When they develop a strong crush, this intense focus can become obsessive, making it hard to think about anything else. This can disrupt their daily life and cause problems for their family and friends.

  • Emotional Ups and Downs:

People with ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. They can feel very happy or unfortunate quickly, especially regarding their feelings for someone they’re fascinated with. A simple word or gesture can make them think you are overjoyed or deeply disappointed.

  • Impulsive Behavior:

People with ADHD can act impulsively without thinking about the consequences. This can lead to behaviors like sending too many messages, making unwanted calls, or doing things that might annoy the other person. Unfortunately, these actions often don’t have the desired effect and can lead to regret.

  • Sensitivity to Rejection:

People with ADHD are often susceptible to rejection. When they’re infatuated with someone, even a tiny sign of disinterest can cause significant emotional pain and distress.

  • Difficulty Focusing on Other Things:

People with ADHD can find it hard to shift their focus from one thing to another. When they’re experiencing limerence, it can be challenging to concentrate on work, school, or other essential tasks.

Common Symptoms That Point to Limerence While Suffering from ADHD

If you have ADHD and think you might be experiencing limerence, here are some common signs of ADHD and limerence:

  • Constant Thoughts: You can’t stop thinking about this person and often daydream about them.
  • Mood Swings: Your mood is heavily influenced by the other person’s actions and words.
  • Intense Fantasies: You frequently imagine scenarios involving the other person.
  • Increased Attention-Seeking Behavior: You might contact them often or find ways to be around them.

Managing Limerence With ADHD

While it can be challenging to control feelings of limerence, especially with ADHD, here are some strategies to help:

Set Boundaries:

  • Limit your thoughts about the person to specific times.
  • Create boundaries for yourself to avoid excessive rumination.

Practice Distraction:

  • Engage in activities like hobbies, exercise, or spending time with friends.
  • Distraction can help temporarily alleviate intense feelings.

Limit Social Media Exposure:

  • Reduce your interaction with the person on social media to avoid triggering obsessive thoughts.

Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques:

  • Practice mindfulness to stay present and reduce intrusive thoughts.
  • Use grounding techniques like deep breathing or focusing on your senses to calm your mind.

Journaling:

  • Write about your thoughts and feelings to gain better self-awareness.
  • Journaling can help you process your emotions without acting on them.

Challenge Your Idealized View:

  • Recognize and challenge idealized views of the other person.
  • List their less-than-perfect qualities to gain a more balanced perspective.

Seek Support:

  • Talk to a friend or therapist.
  • Consider therapy, such as CBT, to manage intrusive thoughts and impulsive behaviors.

Consider Professional Help:

  • Seek professional advice for managing ADHD symptoms.
  • Explore options like medication or treatment to reduce limerence intensity potentially.

Why Does Self-Compassion Matter?

It’s important to be kind to yourself. Remember that limerence is a complex experience, and feeling frustrated or ashamed is okay. You can work through these challenges more effectively by accepting your feelings and practicing self-compassion.

Final Thoughts!

Limerence can be a challenging experience, especially for people with ADHD. However, managing these intense feelings and building healthier relationships is possible with the right strategies and support. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for recovery. If you are also wondering what causes limerence to end? Then, you are on the right page. Orange Coast Psychiatry is the best mental health platform in the town. So, wait no longer, and get in touch today!

Frequently Asked Questions

ADHD’s traits like intense focus, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity can intensify limerence, making it more challenging to manage.

Common signs include obsessive thoughts, mood swings, intense fantasies, and increased attention-seeking behavior towards the object of limerence.

Self-compassion helps accept intense emotions without self-judgment, leading to healthier coping mechanisms.

Latest Post

Everything about Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD

One of the most overlooked symptoms of ADHD, a neurodivergent disorder, is emotional dysregulation. If you are wondering if you have been feeling like you have been experiencing a constant change in your emotions, then don’t waste a second in reading this blog. It is because we are going to

Read More »

Hypersexuality and ADHD: What’s the Connection?

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has many different symptoms and traits. One of  these can be hypersexuality or hyposexuality (which is to have unsatisfactory sex lives). So, why is that the case and what is the connection that binds hypersexuality and ADHD together? Let’s find out in the world while also

Read More »

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.

Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.

Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.

Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

 

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.

Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.

Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.

Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

PMHNP-BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry

Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.

With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.

A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.

Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.

Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.
“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”
Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.
Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.