What Effect Does ADHD Have on Relationships?

Because the effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can strain relationships in many ways, it is important for the person who has the condition to let important people in their life know about their diagnosis. ADHD affects relationships differently from couple to couple, but here are ten tips that can prove helpful for most relationships:

• Work together. Because ADHD affects both people in a relationship, both should be involved in the treatment plan. Educate yourselves on the condition and treatment so you know what to expect. In the end, working together makes the entire experience easier on both people.
• Talk to each other. Communication is an important key to any relationship, but it is essential when dealing with ADHD. Sit down and discuss how ADHD has affected your relationship, both the good and the bad. If you have to, schedule some time to be together and discuss your relationship regularly. Realize that the process will probably take more than one sitting, so keep talking! Talk about how you feel about ADHD and what sorts of things you'd like to change. Talk about your strengths and weaknesses and find ways to accommodate both of you. For example, if one person becomes overwhelmed at having to go grocery shopping, don't make that person do it; he or she might be better off keeping the kids busy or doing the laundry while the other person goes to the store. The next time you talk, go over the changes you were able to make and see if they were successful or not.
• Help in follow through. People with ADHD often have trouble following through with what they intend to do, including sticking to their treatment plans. The person in the relationship who doesn't have ADHD can do several things to help the other person stick to their plan and honor their agreements. Try to find ways of reminding that are effective, but aren't nagging. There are a lot of suggestions about how to change the environment to help the person.
• Write things down. When things are written down, they're a lot harder to forget. Make lists of things to do in a day or over the weekend. Leave reminders about putting dishes in the dishwasher or taking the kids to soccer practice.   
  
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