Birds of a Feather: An Examination of ADHD Symptoms and Associated Concerns in Partners of Adults with ADHD

Abstract

Objective: Adults often select romantic partners who behave like they do (i.e. assortative mating). However, little is known about whether assortative mating is common among adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and whether it is related to associated problems. Method: About 94 adults without ADHD, 43 adults with childhood ADHD histories but without current symptoms or impairment (ADHD-Desist), 27 adults with childhood ADHD histories and elevated current symptoms and impairment (ADHD-Persist) rated their partners’ ADHD symptoms and their own associated problems (e.g., intimate partner violence, financial difficulties). Results: The ADHD-Persist group reported that their partners exhibited more ADHD symptoms than the ADHD-Desist group and those without ADHD. Adults in the ADHD-Persist group who had partners with elevated ADHD symptoms endorsed high intimate partner violence and financial difficulties. Conclusion: Assortative mating appears to be common among adults with ADHD, especially those with persistent symptoms, and to increase risk of additional problems.

Adult ADHD and romantic relationships: What we know and what we can do to help

“…Still, the Wymbs and Molina (2015) sample was treatment seeking, and results—including rates of shared ADHD symptoms—may not generalize to couples not participating in therapy. In a subsequent study of an online, community sample, Steele et al (2020) found adults diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, especially those with elevated current symptoms, reported that their partners had more clinically significant symptoms of ADHD than adults without ADHD histories. Notably, the adults with persistent ADHD who had partners with elevated ADHD symptoms also tended to report more psychological and physical IPV perpetration and victimization than adults without ADHD histories, even among those with partners exhibiting elevated ADHD symptoms.…”

The Impact of Adult Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Couple and Marriage Relationships: A Review of the Literature

“…The high proportion of elevated clinical ADHD symptoms among their participants suggests that adults with ADHD tend to choose partners who also have elevated levels of ADHD symptoms at a much higher rate than would be expected by chance alone. Steele conducted research on adults diagnosed with childhood ADHD, especially those who are currently symptomatic, have partners who, compared to adults with no history of ADHD had more pronounced clinical symptoms of ADHD [51]. Differences in like-mating rates between adults with persistent ADHD and adults with indifferent ADHD were also assessed, and the results indicated that adults in the persistent ADHD group (ADHD-Persist) were more likely to choose partners with exacerbated ADHD symptoms than adults in the ADHD-indifferent group (ADHD-Desist), thus extending previous research efforts.…”