Let’s Talk about Sex… and ADHD: Findings from an Anonymous Online Survey
Open accessAbstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. A dearth of studies have investigated psychosexuality in this population, often with few (predominantly male) participants. We recruited individuals with and without ADHD via an anonymous online survey distributed electronically by ADHD support organizations and social media. We investigated sexual history; interests and practices; and relationships. Of 1392 respondents, we classified an ‘ADHD’ group (n = 541; 30.5% male) and compared them to individuals of similar ages without ADHD, (‘Other’ group; n = 851; 37.6% male). The ADHD group (both males and females) had a significantly higher preference for same-sex or either-sex partners; and higher rates of electronic sexual exchanges, masturbation, and sexually transmitted diseases. They were more adventurous in sexual interests and practices and substantially less satisfied with their partners, both sexually and generally. Within the ADHD group, significant sex differences emerged: females had younger onset of sexual activities, used contraception less frequently, had more sexual partners and practiced more infidelity. Sexual interests differed between the sexes, but females more commonly acted on them, whereas males did not. Findings suggest both sexes engage in risky sexual behaviors, perhaps driven by impulsivity, but risk is substantially greater for females with ADHD.
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Adults with ADHD report lower sexual satisfaction and overall relationship fulfillment compared to controls, with partners describing similar dissatisfaction.
“Adults with ADHD report lower sexual satisfaction and overall relationship fulfillment compared to controls [206], with partners of individuals with ADHD describing similar dissatisfaction.”
From ADHD in Adulthood: Clinical Presentation, Comorbidities, and Treatment Perspectives (2025) · cites this paper as [206]
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- Authors
- Young, S., Klassen, L. J., Reitmeier, S. D., Matheson, J. D., & Gudjonsson, G. H.
- Affiliations
- Reykjavík University (IS)
- Eden Mental Health Centre, 1500 Pembina Avenue, Winkler, MB R6W 1T4, Canada
- University of Manitoba (CA)
- Laboratoire de Mathématiques de Reims (FR)
- Corresponding author
- Young, Susan
- Venue
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Published
- 2023-01-22
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 2037
- ISSN
- 1660-4601 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC9915044
- OpenAlex
- W4317734941
- Cited by
- 17
- References
- 30
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 2
- FWCI
- 3.45
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Opin vísindi (Opin vísindi) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
- RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Keywords
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, psychosexuality, sexual behavior, sexual interest, sexual relationships, sexual satisfaction, masturbation, sexually transmitted infections, contraceptive use, sexual partners, infidelity, impulsivity, sex differences, sexual risk behavior
- MeSH terms
- Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Female, Humans, Male, Surveys and Questionnaires, Sexual Behavior, Sex Characteristics, Sexual Partners
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