Adult ADHD and romantic relationships: What we know and what we can do to help

Wymbs, Brian T.; Canu, Will H.; Sacchetti, Gina M.; Ranson, Loren M.

doi:10.1111/jmft.12475

Cited by 67Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderAttachment and Relationship DynamicsFamily Dynamics and Relationships

Adult ADHD and romantic relationships: What we know and what we can do to help

Wymbs, Brian T., Canu, Will H., Sacchetti, Gina M., Ranson, Loren M.·2021·Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

DOI 10.1111/jmft.12475

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Abstract

It has been widely maintained that enduring and healthy romantic relationships are critical to quality of life in adulthood, and can buffer the impact of adversity, including psychological disorder. Unfortunately, much research points toward adults with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) having short‐lived and discordant romantic relationships. Despite this ample evidence, relatively little research has focused on identifying specific factors that may strengthen or explain their relational difficulties, which would have obvious relationship distress prevention and intervention implications. The current study reviews the state of the literature on romantic relationships in adults with ADHD, including differences that have been established between ADHD and non‐ADHD populations as well as distal and proximal factors that appear to increase risk of relationship distress of adults with ADHD. Finally, notable gaps in the literature are identified and implications are raised with regards to prevention and intervention efforts designed to address functional impairment in adults with ADHD.

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Romantic relationships are a salient context where the relational consequences of ADHD and internalized narratives are enacted and magnified.
“Romantic relationships represent a salient context where the relational consequences of ADHD, and indeed, the internalized narratives that stem from them, are enacted and magnified (Wymbs et al. 2021).”
From “I Felt Like a Burden”: An Exploration Into the Experience of Romantic Relationships for People With ADHD (2026) · cites this paper as Wymbs et al. 2021
Research on the impact of ADHD on romantic relationships has predominantly focused on participants in heterosexual relationships.
“Similarly, the research on the impact of ADHD on romantic relationships has predominantly focused on participants in heterosexual relationships (Wymbs et al. 2021).”
From “I Felt Like a Burden”: An Exploration Into the Experience of Romantic Relationships for People With ADHD (2026) · cites this paper as Wymbs et al. 2021
Adults with ADHD have difficulties in romantic relationships, including struggles maintaining long-term relationships and navigating conflict resolution.
“Difficulties adults with ADHD face in romantic relationships have been well described, such as struggles maintaining long-term relationships and navigating conflict resolution (Wymbs et al., 2021).”
From The experiences of adults with ADHD in interpersonal relationships and online communities: A qualitative study (2023) · cites this paper as Wymbs et al., 2021

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“Similarly, the research on the impact of ADHD on romantic relationships has predominantly focused on participants in heterosexual relationships (Wymbs et al. 2021).”
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Authors: Wymbs, B. T., Canu, W. H., Sacchetti, G. M., & Ranson, L. M.
Affiliations: Ohio University (US)
Appalachian State University (US)
Corresponding author: Wymbs, Brian T.
ORCID: Wymbs, Brian T.
Canu, Will H.
Venue: Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2021-01-09
Volume: 47
Issue: 3
Pages: 664-681
ISSN: 0194-472X (ISSN-L)
1752-0606
DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12475
OpenAlex: W3119833030
Cited by: 67
References: 96
Citations by year: 2026: 19 · 2025: 22 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 4
FWCI: 1.16
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations: Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (publishedVersion)
PubMed (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, romantic relationships, relationship distress, relationship maintenance, relationship prevention, relationship interventions, functional disability, quality of life
MeSH terms: Adult, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Humans, Quality of Life

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Adult ADHD and romantic relationships: What we know and what we can do to help

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