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Welcome to "ADHD and Marriage"

Helping adults thrive in relationships impacted by ADHD
Dr. Edward Hallowell and Melissa Orlov blog about marriage when one or both spouses has ADHD. What is it like? What are common themes in marriages with ADHD? What strategies can be used to improve these relationships? How can struggling couples get their marriages back on track so both partners can thrive?

New Here? Is This Site Right for You? READ THIS!

You may have ADHD, or you may be married to someone with ADHD and wondering whether it may be affecting your relationship.  This site can help you learn much more BUT PLEASE READ THIS before you explore for the first time!  Let me introduce you to what’s here. >>> Read more >>>

Now, get two free chapters of The ADHD Effect on Marriage when you register for this site! (Register here)

Podcast Available for Anger and Marriage Talk

Zoe Kessler and I tackled the topic of ADHD, marriage and anger from two different perspectives - that of an ADHD adult (her) and that of a non-ADHD adult and marriage expert.  We had an interesting conversation around the biological side of ADHD anger - what that feels like, for example - and the environmental side of marital anger (as in "I can't believe my non-ADHD partner is on my case AGAIN!!" and "I can't believe my ADHD partner dropped the ball again!!")  It's useful to realize that anger in your relationship comes from different places.  You can get the link to the podcast from Zoe's blog, here.  We're on again on Thursday, May 24 at 8pm talking about finding the positives in ADHD relationships.  I'll post registration information as soon as it's available.

Undiagnosed ADHD Can Make You Angry!

(by Zoe Kessler - see bio at end.  This post is a "must read" for anyone dealing with an angry ADHD spouse!)  I was diagnosed with ADHD at 46. After my diagnosis, I had a long talk with my sister (who does not have ADHD). One of the most startling things she told me was when we were kids, we’d be happily playing, when – POW! –I’d have an angry outburst. She said this scared her.

All these years later, her childhood memories made me cry. I was filled with shame and remorse. I’d had no idea how my moods had affected her.

When we were kids, I also had no idea what ADHD was, or why I couldn’t control my impulsive anger.

Today, I understand that like other ADHD symptoms, effort and willpower are no match for undiagnosed ADHD. >>> Read more >>>

Not Getting Enough Sex in Your ADHD Marriage?

Have you ever wondered what’s a “normal” sex life?  There is so much buzz around the topic of sex in the forums right now, I think it’s time to write about sex – what might be going on if you’re having too little…and then I’ll write about getting away from porn and sex addiction in another post. >>> Read more >>>

Melissa Orlov and Drs. Hallowell, Barkley, and Murphy discuss ADHD and Relationships

Is ADHD affecting your marriage? It would be rare if it didn't, but traditional marriage counseling often isn't very helpful unless ADHD is diagnosed and treated. The good news is it's highly treatable. In the March issue of the American Psychological Association (APA) Monitor Magazine, Melissa and Drs. Hallowell, Barkley, and Murphy discuss how undiagnosed ADHD affects millions of adults - and their romantic relationships. Read the article at APA Monitor.  

>>> Read more >>>

The ADHD Effect on Marriage Chinese Edition is Now Available

Great news! The ADHD Effect on Marriage has been released in Chinese (in addition to Dutch). We are delighted to offer this version for people who are more comfortable reading in Chinese. And we love the Asian adaptation of the book cover. To purchase this version, or for more information, please visit Yuan-Liou Publishing Co., Ltd.
 

The Basics of Non-Medicinal Treatment for ADHD

Many are curious about non-medicinal treatments for ADHD.  Here's a quick overview of the basics. >>> Read more >>>

How to Broach the Subject of Suspected ADHD

“I think my partner has ADHD – he shows all the classic symptoms.  How do I approach him with this without making him angry?”  This is a great question and I applaud any spouse who is sensitive enough to be asking it.  Some specific ideas and hints follow. >>> Read more >>>