ADHD can have a complex and negative effect on a marriage. Those with ADHD have been shown to be at a higher risk of divorce and marital problems, with ADHD women being more susceptible to divorce than ADHD. Negative behaviors relating to inattentiveness (ex: forgetting what they’re told) and impulsivity (speaking without thinking) have been shown to be the least loved ADHD behaviors by non-ADHD partners. Generally, those with ADHD are less satisfied in their marriage than their non-ADHD counterparts, and their marriages, as a whole, are less satisfactory.

ADHD and Marital Relationships

Those with ADHD are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex, and become sexually active before their peers. They are also more likely to be sexually adventurous. Some examples of this would be instances of anonymous sex and BDSM.

ADHD and Sexual Behavior

Research on the likelihood for ADHD individuals to identify as LGBTQ  has reported frequent non-heterosexual attraction for both females and males with ADHD. However, there has been no significant difference found between those with ADHD and those without ADHD in regard to their sexual orientation.

ADHD and Sexual Orientation

- Martial Relationships
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexual Orientation

Grinnell College

Those diagnosed with ADHD often find that their ADHD diagnosis impacts the strength and stability of their relationships. Some examples of potentially affected relationships include childhood friendships, familial relationships, romantic partnerships, and relationships with oneself.

Relationships and ADHD

Robin, Arthur & Payson, Eleanor. (2002). The impact of ADHD on marriage. Adhd Report, The. 10. 9-14. 10.1521/adhd.10.3.9.20553

ADHD and Marital Relationships Reference

Beaton, D. M., Sirois, F., & Milne, E. (2022). The role of self-compassion in the mental health of adults with ADHD. Journal of clinical psychology, 78(12), 2497–2512. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23354

The role of self-compassion in the mental health of adults with ADHD

- ADHD: Insecure Attachment
- ADHD: Secure Attachment
- ADHD and Parental Attachment

ADHD and Attachment Theory

The vast majority of children with ADHD (50-70%) have some difficulty with creating and maintaining peer relationships and childhood friendships; roughly the same percent (56-76%) do not have any reciprocated friendships. The lack of these relationships has been shown to lead to internalized negativity, future substance abuse, and an increased risk of social dysfunction as they mature into adulthood

ADHD and Childhood Friendships

- Parents and ADHD
- ADHD and Sibling Relationships

ADHD and Familial Relationships

ADHD and Partnership

Those with ADHD are at a significantly higher risk of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, due to their low levels of self-compassion. ADHD individuals also tend to internalize instances of real and perceived criticism and feel isolated from society, furthering their isolation and unhealthy mental state.

ADHD individuals’ relationships with themselves

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Chronis-Tuscano, A., Raggi, V.L., Clarke, T.L. et al. Associations between Maternal Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Parenting. J Abnorm Child Psychol 36, 1237–1250 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-008-9246-4

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Hertz, P. G., Turner, D., Barra, S., Biedermann, L., Retz-Junginger, P., Schöttle, D., & Retz, W. (2022). Sexuality in Adults With ADHD: Results of an Online Survey. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.868278

Kordahji, H., Ben-David, S. & Elkana, O. Attachment Anxiety Moderates the Association Between ADHD and Psychological Distress. Psychiatr Q 92, 1711–1724 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-021-09919-6

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Robin, Arthur & Payson, Eleanor. (2002). The impact of ADHD on marriage. Adhd Report, The. 10. 9-14. 10.1521/adhd.10.3.9.20553

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