Introduction: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can
cause many problems in adulthood, particularly in close interpersonal
relationships and marriage. The aim of this study was to investigate
the differences in patterns of the marital relationship between healthy
couples and couples with one member previously diagnosed with ADHD.
Methods: The sample of the study included the ADHD group consisting
of 28 couples one of whom was diagnosed with ADHD; and the
comparison group consisting of 28 healthy couples who were reached
through snowball sampling. All couples had been married for at least
one year and their ages range from 22 to 61. Wender Utah Rating
Scale, Adults ADHD Self-Report Scale, Marital Conflict Questionnaire,
Marital Adjustment Scale, Conflict Resolution Styles Scale in Romantic
Relationship, and The Birtchnell Partner Evaluation Scale were used as
data collection tools.
Results: Analysis results showed that adults diagnosed with ADHD and
their spouses had more unfavorable patterns in their marriages with
regard to the level of conflict, marital adjustment, conflict resolution
styles, and reciprocal evaluations when compared to the comparison
group.
Conclusion: ADHD can lead to the termination of marriages when it is
not recognized and not treated properly. In consideration of this fact, it
is thought that this study will provide information about the recognition
of ADHD in adults who apply with especially marital problems and
directing them to appropriate treatment.
Keywords: Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, marital
relationship, conflict resolution