Effects of adult ADHD on intimate partnerships
Abstract
Although research on adult ADHD has become more prevalent since the condition’s recognition in the 1990s, information remains scarce about if and how it impacts functionality in relationships. Adults with ADHD can experience interpersonal relationship difficulties due to the disorder’s signature symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness, as well as due to adult ADHD’s oft-observed dimension of emotional lability. Adults with ADHD tend to have more trouble navigating romantic relationships and are more likely to be divorced than adults without ADHD. The purpose of this paper is to perform a systematic literature review of empirically based studies of integrative couples therapy wherein at least one partner struggles with adult ADHD. Future research, gaps in the literature, and practice implications also are discussed, including hope for focus on the positive aspects of ADHD for individuals and partnerships.
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ADHD traits, such as emotional intensity, can deepen romantic connections and strengthen commitment.
“As such, ADHD traits, such as emotional intensity, can deepen romantic connections and strengthen commitment (Huynh‐Hohnbaum and Benowitz 2022).”
From “I Felt Like a Burden”: An Exploration Into the Experience of Romantic Relationships for People With ADHD (2026) · cites this paper as Huynh‐Hohnbaum and Benowitz 2022
ADHD impacts interpersonal functioning, particularly within intimate relationships.
“There is a significant recognition of ADHD's impact on interpersonal functioning, particularly within intimate relationships (Barkley and Brown 2008; Ginapp et al. 2023; Huynh‐Hohnbaum and Benowitz 2022; Ramsay 2010).”
From “I Felt Like a Burden”: An Exploration Into the Experience of Romantic Relationships for People With ADHD (2026) · cites this paper as Huynh‐Hohnbaum and Benowitz 2022
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References 35 · Cited by 10
- Authors
- Huynh-Hohnbaum, A.-L. T., & Benowitz, S. M.
- Affiliations
- California State University Los Angeles (US)
- Corresponding author
- Huynh-Hohnbaum, Anh-Luu T.
- Venue
- Journal of Family Social Work
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2022-10-20
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 4-5
- Pages
- 169-184
- ISSN
- 1052-2158 (ISSN-L)
- 1540-4072
- OpenAlex
- W4319787814
- Cited by
- 10
- References
- 35
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3
- FWCI
- 0.98
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Family Social Work (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
- Social Sciences › Demography › Family Dynamics and Relationships
- Keywords
- adult ADHD, intimate relationships, romantic relationships, couple therapy, divorce, emotional lability, impulsivity, hyperactivity, inattention, relationship problems
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