Melissa's "Psychology Today" blog

Relationship Basics 101

Tue, 04/23/2013 - 15:42

Flipping off your spouse or screaming and yelling are not what loving relationships are supposed to be about. These relationship basics remind couples where they need to focus to get back on track.

What They Love About Their ADHD Spouses

Wed, 03/27/2013 - 12:04

Spouses tell what they love about their ADHD partners, highlighting some important positive ADHD traits. Remembering the good while highlighting the effectiveness of ADHD treatment can give struggling couples something to strive for.

When Work Interferes with Love

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 08:16

It can be lonely when your partner is engulfed in work and has little time for you. These strategies can help you remain happy, healthy and (with a bit of effort from your partner) connected.

ADHD Man's Dilemma: Is Something Wrong with My Wife?

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 10:43

Tired of feeling as if your partner isn't tuned in to your emotional needs? It may be easy to overcome this issue once you better understand an ADHD characteristic that could be impacting you both.

6 Big Relationship Busters — Are You Doing Them?

Tue, 11/20/2012 - 12:08

Without realizing it partners can easily fall into behaviors that undermine the health of their relationship. Ask yourself: am I engaging in any of these six relationship busters?

Pressing the ADHD 'Reset' Button

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 10:53

Some ways are better than others when it comes to improving focus and managing the everyday overwhelm of their ADHD. Here's one strategy - creating a "recalibration" routine.

Everybody Has ADHD! No, They Don't

Tue, 09/18/2012 - 16:58

People who have ADHD are confronted by media articles or other people who think that ADHD is just an excuse - a case of having too much to do "just like everyone else," or being lazy in a busy world. Research shows those naysayers are dead wrong.

Adult ADHD and the Sexless Marriage

Wed, 06/20/2012 - 13:15

Couples in ADHD-impacted relationships need not suffer in sexless marriages.

Are People with ADHD Lazy?

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 17:27

Do you see your ADHD partner or your child's inability to finish what he started as a sign of laziness or selfishness?

About Ritalin, Scare Tactics, and Medications for Kids with ADHD

Wed, 03/07/2012 - 13:06

Ritalin and other stimulant medications used to treat ADHD continue to be a political football, a hot-button issue in which parents are asked to be either "for" them or "against" them. In this interview ADHD expert, Dr. Edward Hallowell, provides important insight into the role stimulants should—and should not—play in treatment.

Eight Tips for More Loving Conversation

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 17:10

With a little extra effort and time, busy and distracted couples can make striking improvements in how well they communicate with each other.

10 Tips for a Better Relationship in 2012

Wed, 01/04/2012 - 12:44

Making a New Year's resolution to use these simple ideas can help you spruce up your relationship in 2012.

Changing the Story of Your ADHD

Wed, 01/04/2012 - 12:00

"Story editing" is a technique which can help couples struggling with the impact of ADHD in their relationship more accurately describe their situation and create a roadmap for a happier future.

Feeling Defensive? Seven Communication Tips for ADHD Marriages

Wed, 11/16/2011 - 18:06

Suggest a spouse has ADHD and he or she may get defensive. These seven tips can help.

Why Therapists Need to Understand the Role of Adult ADHD in Marital Dysfunction

Tue, 10/04/2011 - 15:27

ADHD impacts about 5-7% of adults, making it one of the most common mental health issues adults face. More importantly, research suggests 58% of relationships in which one or both partners has ADHD are clinically dysfunctional*, about double the rate for the non-ADHD population. This means that virtually every therapist who works with couples encounters ADHD issues in their practice.

ADHD and Death by One Thousand Cuts

Thu, 09/15/2011 - 10:39

If you are a spouse with ADHD you may be disappointed or angry that your non-ADHD partner hasn't noticed all the improvements you've been making in your relationship and ADHD treatment. Here's what may be going on.