The Full Spectrum of ADHD in Adult Relationships

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by impairing levels of inattention (IN) and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI). Although ADHD has shown to negatively impact individual functioning and wellbeing, little is known about its impact on individuals’ social relationships. For some individuals the impact of ADHD on everyday life diminishes with age, and many develop coping mechanisms. For many others, ADHD remains an impairing condition in adulthood (3.10% of total adult population). The so far limited body of research in adults on the impact of ADHD on social relations has shown that ADHD is often associated with difficulties in social relationships. We will focus on several gaps in the current literature.

First, it could be that ADHD symptoms are not only associated with negative relationship outcomes, but that some sub-set of ADHD symptoms, and/or associated positive qualities (see below, under “mediators and moderators”) could positively impact relationships. To answer this important question, we will use approaches that address three additional important gaps in the literature:

(a) previous studies in this area compared individuals with an ADHD diagnosis with individuals without a diagnosis, instead of covering the entire spectrum of symptoms. This is problematic, since there is compelling evidence that ADHD should not be treated as a disorder with a discrete threshold but as a continuum: Not all people meeting the symptom threshold for ADHD suffer impairment as a result of the symptoms while sometimes people with subthreshold ADHD symptoms levels have marked impairment.

(b) Research on the dyadic dynamics between partners and how these are impacted by ADHD symptoms is almost non-existent. This is an important shortcoming because relationships are inherently interactive and interdependent and should thus be investigated this way. How adults with ADHD symptoms perceive these and their experiences may not be identical to how their friends or partners experience them.

(c) Lastly, examining different relationship types in ADHD research is important because each relationship type has unique dynamics and challenges. Friendships and romantic relationships differ fundamentally in their levels of intimacy, commitment, and the ways in which ADHD symptoms might manifest and impact these relationships.

Thus, we know that ADHD influences social relationships, but one important question remains and that is how (aka mediators) and under which circumstances (aka moderators) ADHD exactly affects relationships. In terms of mediators, this study will not only address co-occurring deficits that may explain the negative impact of ADHD symptoms on relationship quality, but it will also examine co-occurring qualities that may explain potential positive effects of certain ADHD symptoms on relationship quality.

In order to understand which factors may form buffers for the negative impact of ADHD symptoms on relationship quality, we will examine relevant moderators. Specifically,
having an understanding and/or supportive partner/friend might buffer the influence ADHD symptoms have on the relationship quality.

Thus, we will conduct a series of studies empirically testing how ADHD symptomatology is associated with positive and negative aspects of relationship quality as perceived by the individuals themselves as well as by their partner and peers. Moreover, we will study possible mediating and moderating factors that respectively explain or influence the association between ADHD symptoms and relationship quality in these adults. Finally, should our findings reveal significant insights, we plan to conduct an intervention study to determine if these theoretical understandings can be effectively translated into practical strategies to enhance relationship quality in adults with ADHD.