How to Cope With ADHD in Your Relationship

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder that affects a large number of people. It is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder that starts during childhood, and often continues into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty Getting Organized

  People with ADHD may have trouble organizing and prioritizing parts of their lives. Additional responsibilities such as bills, jobs, and children, can make organization even more difficult.

• Easily Distracted

  Hampering attention, adult ADHD can often lead people to become easily distracted. The smallest thing may distract them from a much more important issue or conversation.

• Poor Listening Skills

  A person with ADHD may seem like they are paying attention and listening to what you have to say, when in actuality, their mind is somewhere else completely. This can lead to a lot of misunderstandings.

• Forgetfulness

  Even when they are paying attention, a person with ADHD may later forget what was discussed or promised. This also can lead to misunderstandings, missed appointments, and frustration.

• Hyperactivity

  In adults, the hyperactivity associated with ADHD can cause restlessness and difficulty relaxing.

• Emotional Outbursts

  ADHD in adults can lead to problems with emotional control. They may lose their temper easily and are quick to explode over minor issues.

These symptoms take a toll on the relationship partner with ADHD. The disorder can be very frustrating for both partners. The good news is that there are steps that can significantly improve the relationship.

1. The first step is to educate yourselves. Whether the condition is diagnosed or not, it is important to learn about it and know the symptoms, so that you can manage your response.
2. From here, you should begin to seek treatment for the disorder. Treatment may include medication, exercise, sufficient sleep, and counseling.
3. As with any relationship, always remember that it will take effort from both partners to make the relationship work. You will need to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each partner so that you can set up realistic expectations and goals.
4. Set up a structured system for projects to make it easier for the partner with ADHD to stay organized and remember their responsibilities.
5. Finally, find time to connect and spend time with each other, and always remember the positives of your relationship. This will make it much easier to deal with your frustration.

Overall, ADHD can put a lot of pressure and stress on both of the partners in a relationship, and sometimes this is just too much for a person to handle, which may lead them to seek a divorce. However, if you follow these steps, it should help build a stronger, healthier relationship.

Source:

• Helpguide