Object permanence and ADHD: Adults, children, relationships, and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What to know about object permanence and ADHDMedically reviewed by Karin Gepp, PsyD — By Joanne Lewsley — Updated on September 6, 2022Object permanence refers to the ability to understand that objects exist when they are out of sight. Some people believe that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is related to problems with object permanence, but this theory is unproven. One of the major symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is inattention. This refers to difficulty focusing and paying attention. Inattention can cause problems such as frequently losing everyday items. In the past, some people have used the term “object permanence” to refer to this “out of sight, out of mind” phenomenon which affects some people with ADHD. In addition, some have claimed that problems with object permanence could cause issues with relationships in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. However, object permanence is not a recognized medical condition or symptom in ADHD. A person with ADHD cannot be diagnosed with object permanance issues. Keep reading to learn more about ADHD symptoms and the theory of object permanence. What is object permanence Share on PinterestGpointstudio/Getty ImagesObject permanence, put simply, is the ability to understand that an object continues to exist, even though it can no longer be seen, heard or touched. Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget was the first person to coin the term in the 1960s. He observed how babies reacted when a favorite toy was shown to, and then hidden, from them. Babies who had not developed object permanence would appear confused or upset, as if the object had ceased to exist. Babies who had developed object permanence would continue to look for the toy. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, some babies can demonstrate an understanding of object permanence as early as 4–5 months of age. However, most infants do not really grasp the concept until around 9 months old. Why is object permanence thought to be worse in people with ADHD ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may include some of the following traits or symptoms:inattention to tasks and difficulty keeping focusedhyperactivity, including fidgeting, restlessness, and constant moving aboutimpulsivity, including hasty or harmful decision-making, risk-taking, and excessive interruption Learn more about the early signs of ADHD here. Most people with ADHD receive their diagnosis in childhood. However, others may receive their diagnosis in adulthood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, around 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD. It is more common in boys than girls, according to the APA. Learn more about ADHD in girls here. Forgetfulness is a symptom of ADHD that is related to inattention. People with ADHD typically:lose objects they need for school, work, or daily lifeforget about tasks, activities, and appointments are easily distracted by present thoughts, people, items or tasks Some claim that this indicates difficulty in remembering that objects, tasks, or items exist, when the person with ADHD cannot see, hear, or touch them. In theory, forgetfulness symptoms could be related to object permanence. But object permanance is not an accepted medical symptom or diagnosis. Anecdotally, some parents of children with ADHD say that their children do realize things exist when they cannot see them, but have no idea, or do not care, where those things might be. There is not a great deal of strong research to prove that problems with object permanence may arise because of ADHD, or vice versa. Most research around object permanence focuses on infants and development during early infancy, while the average age of diagnosis for ADHD is 7 years old. Object permanence is linked to the ability to form secure attachments with others. Babies who understand that a person exists, even when they are not present, are better able to form secure attachments with care-givers. This ability is known as “object constancy.” It may help people to form secure relationships, or “attachments,” throughout life. Studies have found clear associations between insecure attachment and people with ADHD. A 2021 study has found that insecure attachment in early infancy can increase problems in later relationships, such as the suppression of emotions, and disengaging from others. Object permanence in adults with ADHD Object permanence is not a recognized problem or condition in adults with ADHD. However, inattention and forgetfulness are medically-recognized symptoms of ADHD. These and other ADHD symptoms often persist into adulthood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Adults with ADHD may not realize they have the condition. Problems with inattention in adults with ADHD may result in the following behaviors:forgetting daily tasks, such as paying bills, doing chores, or remembering to keep appointmentsforgetting to take medicationforgetting to stay in touch, return emails and texts, or respond to invitations Learn more about untreated ADHD in adults here. How might it affect relationships A 2015 review into the relationships of children with ADHD with peers and friends, found that children with ADHD tend to:be less liked by their peershave fewer friendsexperience more rejection and isolationhave fewer “mutual” relationshipsexperience more aggression and conflict within relationshipsjoin deviant peer groups in adolescence The same review estimates that 50–70% of children with ADHD experience difficulties in forming and keeping relationships with their peers. An older 2012 study on the relationships of 90 adults with ADHD found that participants were more likely to:be more immatureact out in defensebe more neurotichave insecure attachments The tendency to forget important tasks, often essential to the harmonious running of a relationship or household, can also cause conflicts. A 2018 review into ADHD found that people with the disorder are more likely to use substances, demonstrate rule-breaking behaviors, and have mood disorders — all of which could negatively impact personal relationships. However, treatments such as medication and therapy can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their daily quality of life, including their relationships. Learn more about ADHD in relationships here. Coping with object permanence problems Object permanence problems are not a medical diagnosis or accepted symptom in ADHD. However, there are known strategies to help manage ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness. These strategies may help people who tend to lose track of essential objects, tasks, or communications. Tips to cope with forgetfulness include:not opening texts, emails and messages until they are sure they can respond immediatelychoosing a spot to place essential items, such as medication, to-do lists and important devices such as phonessetting reminders for appointments and tasks in an online calendar with an alert functionsetting recurring appointments with loved ones for visits or calls It is important to note that while ADHD may cause some challenges, there are also potential benefits to the condition. Learn more about them here. Summary Object permanence refers to the understanding that objects continue to exist when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched. In babies, this is a key part of establishing secure attachments in early life. Some have suggested that object permanence problems could explain certain ADHD symptoms, like forgetfulness. According to this theory, object permanence problems make people with ADHD more likely to forget important tasks, objects, and people when they are not present. But object permanence is only a theory of ADHD, not an accepted symptom or diagnosis. Strategies are available to help people with ADHD manage symptoms of inattention or forgetfulness. If ADHD is affecting a person’s quality of life, they should speak with a doctor about treatment options. Last medically reviewed on September 6, 2022ADHD / ADDNeurology / NeurosciencePediatrics / Children's Health 12 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (n.d.).https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/ADHDAttention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder. (2019).https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhdDe Almeida Silva, V., et al. (2012). Ego defense mechanisms and types of object relations in adults with ADHD.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1087054712459559Franke, B., et al. (2018). Live fast, die young? A review on the developmental trajectories of ADHD across the lifespan.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6379245/Gardner, D. M. and Gerdes, A. C. (2015). A review of peer relationships and friendships in youth with ADHD.https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1203&context=psych_facGirme, Y. U., et al. (2021). Infants' attachment insecurity predicts attachment-relevant emotion regulation strategies in adulthood.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31916790/How to ease your child's separation anxiety. (2021).https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Soothing-Your-Childs-Separation-Anxiety.aspxObject permanence. (2021).https://www.simplypsychology.org/Object-Permanence.htmlStorebø, O. J., et al. (2016). Association between insecure attachment and ADHD: Environmental mediating factors [Abstract].https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1087054713501079Trends in the parent-report of health care provider-diagnosis and medication treatment for ADHD: United States, 2003-2011. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/features/key-findings-adhd72013.htmlWhat is ADHD? (2017).https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhdWhat is ADHD? (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Karin Gepp, PsyD — By Joanne Lewsley — Updated on September 6, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageHow is ADHD rated?Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, is a complex condition that can be difficult to diagnose. There are several different types…READ MORETantrums and ADHD: Is there a link?Medically reviewed by Joslyn Jelinek, LCSW Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause frustration, which may lead to tantrums. Learn more about tantrums and ADHD.READ MOREMarijuana and ADHD: BenefitsMedically reviewed by Eloise Theisen, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC ADHD is a behavioral condition that makes concentration difficult. Learn more about medical marijuana as ADHD treatment. READ MOREWhat are the early signs of ADHD?Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder present in many different ways. However, there are also many traits shared by people with ADHD…READ MOREAdults with ADHD may be twice as likely to develop cardiovascular diseases Adults with ADHD may be twice as likely to develop cardiovascular diseases, a large population-based study in Sweden found.READ MORE