11 ADD Behaviors That Could Be Hurting Your Marriage

11 ADD Behaviors That Could Be Hurting Your Marriage More in Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems LGBTQ Violence and Abuse Many times an adult is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD after a child is diagnosed. Then light bulbs go off in the other spouses head as behaviors that hurt and sabotage the marriage are recognized as symptoms of ADHD and not a lack of caring or motivation. Even with this awareness, the presence of ADHD in a marriage can lead to unhealthy responses by a non-ADHD spouse along with feelings of being overwhelmed and resentful.?? If the spouse with ADHD is in denial or uses the diagnosis as an excuse for continuing harmful behaviors, it can drive a spouse to her/his wits end. Experts say many adults with attention disorders struggle at home, where their tendency to become distracted is a constant source of conflict. Some research suggests that these adults are twice as likely to be divorced; another study found high levels of distress in 60% of marriages where one spouse had the disorder. ADD/ADHD Behaviors and Consequences That Hurt Marriages Irresponsibility and Lack of Follow-Through:?? When it comes to household chores, your spouse may seem disorganized and inattentive to household maintenance. However, failing to follow through on chores is often secondary to inattentiveness, not due to ill will or a conscious attempt to avoid sharing in household labor.Interruptions: Your spouse interrupts you and others a great deal to the point where you think whats the point in trying to have a conversation and you are embarrassed by the apparent rudeness towards your friends and family members.Distractedness: When your spouse is inattentive, easily distracted, or impulsive, you feel like climbing a wall and disappearing.Nagging:?? You dislike yourself for nagging, but you dont know what else to do to get your disorganized spouse to finish anything, or put anything away, or keep promises, etc.Financial Problems:?? Your financial situation is precarious because your spouse is not good at handling money, overspends, forgets to pay b ills, cant keep a job, and/or wont talk about money problems with you.Taking a Parental Role: You often feel more like a parent than an equal partner to your spouse. You find yourself reminding your forgetful spouse about taking medications, meeting appointments, remembering birthdays, completing projects, etc.Low-Sex Marriage: Your sexual relationship is less than either of you would like it to be.Difficulty Making Decisions:?? Making decisions or talking about difficult issues with your spouse is nearly impossible.Being Ignored: As your spouse retreats into a computer game or other project, you may feel ignored or think that your marriage is in a rut, but your spouse doesnt see your marriage in the same way.Uneasiness: Walking on eggshells around your spouse is the only way you find you can keep the peace in your marriage. While these are not all the actions and behaviors associated with ADHD that can hurt a marriage, they are classic examples. Even though your marriage may be challenged by these behaviors, with proper diagnosis, treatment, and a willingness of both of you to create positive coping strategies, you can have a successful and joyful marriage. Book Recommendations for ADHD Marriages If the above description sounds like your relationship, you may benefit from reading up on the topic. Here are some book recommendations, available on Amazon. Married to Distraction (2010) by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., Sue George Hallowell, LICSW, Melisa OrlovThe ADHD Effect on Marriage (2010)  by Melissa OrlovIs It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? Stopping the Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder (2008)  Gina Pera