Love, distraction, and everything in between
All relationships come with unique challenges.
Ifyour partner has ADHD, however, your relationship may sometimes feel, well, a little lopsided.
A relationship can quickly unravel if these frustrations are not acknowledged and addressed.
Marko Geber / Getty Images
This article discusses some of the ways thatADHD can affect relationships.
This is simply not true.
Lack of understanding about the toll that ADHD can take is often one of the biggest challenges.
In other words, adulting can make them worse.
Symptoms of adult ADHD that may affect a relationship include:
Dr. Goodman says that ADHD is highlygenetic.
Some adults are only diagnosed after their own children are evaluated and diagnosed with ADHD.
It can be a relief to finally understand and put a name to what they have experienced.
Recap
Many of the symptoms of adult ADHD are misinterpreted.
Such challenges can wear down both people in a relationship, eventually leading tofeelings of burnout.
ADHD Treatment May Improve Relationships
Getting treatment for adult ADHD can be helpful for improving relationships.
“If the ADHD spouse is receptive todiagnosisandtreatment, functionality typically improves fairly dramatically,” Dr. Goodman says.
This can be frustrating for a spouse who sees ADHD treatment as a means to improve the relationship.
If a medication is indicated, Goodman encourages patients to try it for a month or two.
This approach gives the patient a feeling of control.
For some people, there is anxiety or worry about losing control.
They might resist treatment to maintain the sense that they are in control.
There are a number of effective treatments available that can help with symptoms of ADHD.
Get Organized
Find tools that will help youstay organized in daily life.
Split Household Tasks
Divide up household tasks with your partner based on both your preferences and strengths.
Organizational strategies, task planning, and reducing distractions can help.
Your partner’sproblematic behaviorsmay be a function of inability and impairment rather than a lack of motivation.
You may find that you are less frustrated when you’ve got this understanding.
Offer Encouragement
Let your partner know that they have your support.
Praise and encourage them when they make progress toward a goal.
Instead of trying to do everything for your partner, focus on your own actions.
Work on Communication
Being able to talk about your concerns is critical.
Learning about the condition and offering encouragement can help.
Avoid “parenting” your partner, and work on developing healthy communication.
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD.
2023;18(1):e0280131.
