ADHD and Marriage Blog

Donald Trump is a Narcissist. Your Partner with ADHD Probably is Not

Submitted by MelissaOrlov on 09/13/2016.

I cannot tell you how often I have had a non-ADHD partner contact me and say something such as “I have a partner with ADHD who is also a narcissist.” Though your partner seems self-absorbed, it is likely not narcissism, and with the right approach it usually CAN be addressed within your relationship.

Tips for Supporting Adult Children with ADHD

Submitted by MelissaOrlov on 09/07/2016.

ADHD is highly heritable, which means you may well have children with ADHD.  As they age, how to support them becomes less clear, as parents need to let go of the organizing support they provided their ADHD child when younger, and embrace something new.  Here are tips for parents of adult children who wish to keep their relationships strong.

ADHD, Bipolar, or Both? What You Need to Know

Submitted by MelissaOrlov on 08/19/2016.

A recent article in ADDitude Magazine reminded me that about 20% of people with ADHD will develop Bipolar and about 70% of people with Bipolar also have ADHD.  Wow!  This is a huge overlap, and it’s important to know the characteristics of each, so that you can get treatment right.

ADHD and Fighting Stereotypes

Submitted by MelissaOrlov on 07/25/2016.

When I work with couples impacted by ADHD I often see an unintentional bias towards using the label of ADHD as a negative descriptor, rather than as a medical term that enables treatment and describes a particular way of being.  This negative labeling - used by both partners - hurts relationships. as it may lead to blaming the ADHD partner for ALL relationships issues, while providing too easy an out for non-ADHD partners who also play a role in relationship issues.

Growing Up with ADHD

Submitted by MelissaOrlov on 05/16/2016.

Want to know what it feels like to grow up with ADHD?  This poem, written by one of the members of this site, gives eloquent testimony to the challenges – and strengths – of a childhood with undiagnosed ADHD.

8 Shame Busters for Adults with ADHD

Submitted by MelissaOrlov on 05/09/2016.

Trying to avoid feelings of shame is only human, but when it comes to adult ADHD, gentle engagement with raw areas can lead to significant gains.  But how to do that, when shame feels so bad?  These ideas, provided by adults with ADHD, can help both ADHD partners and non-ADHD partners.

8 Interactions That Trigger Shame in ADHD Partners

Submitted by MelissaOrlov on 05/02/2016.

ADHD adults often carry a lot of hurt and shame with them.  Learn what these shame triggers are and you can significantly improve your interactions.  A recent conversation with five adults with ADHD and their partners highlights some of the issues.

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