Information on the Challenges of Having an ADHD Partner Provided by Bmindful Psychotherapists in Ottawa
We are a group of highly trained independent professionals in Ottawa, who also work(ed) at Carleton University, Algonquin College and at CHEO. If you or your partner has been diagnosed with ADHD and/or are experiencing inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, or difficulties with time and project management, and chronic lack of success, know that you can learn compensatory strategies and maximize your chance of a successful relationship. We encourage you to read the following general information and to book an appointment.
ADHD & Relationships
The essential qualities for a strong relationship directly conflict with the symptomatic behaviours of ADHD. The fundamentals for a healthy relationship include reliability, trust and attentiveness. If your partner exhibits ADHD symptoms, they may have most likely failed in one of these areas due to symptomatic behaviours like poor recall and time management. Being aware of these struggles and partaking in therapeutic interventions may significantly benefit your relationship.
There are a range of therapies that promote healthy relationships. Therapies for couples consists of bettering both individuals. Counselling and psychotherapy can help you and your partner better understand daily struggles, develop coping strategies, and promote healthy changes.
It Takes Time
ADHD is a chronic disorder. This means that no form of treatment (e.g. medication, therapeutic intervention, mindfulness, etc.) can cure an individual of the disorder. Instead, evidence-based treatments are used to help individuals and couples manage the symptoms.
The transition from not knowing much about ADHD to understanding appropriate forms of treatment is extremely difficult and time consuming. During this transition many couples experience confusion, frustration, and emotional struggles. This is because even after finding the right interventions for your partner it can take years before they are able to effectively manage the symptomatic behaviours of ADHD. It is important to understand that symptom management takes time and to establish small expectations. By establishing small expectations, your partner will be able to manage ADHD symptoms at their own pace and celebrate the small successes.
ADHD & Trauma
The symptoms experienced by individuals with ADHD overlap with the symptomatic behaviours of chronic hyperarousal. Chronic hyperarousal is a vital indicator of childhood trauma. It marks a state of heightened mental and physiological stimulation. The overlap in symptoms is a result of neurological development. This is because the organization of neurons is a product of genetic and environmental factors. Hence, studies suggest that individuals who exhibit the symptomatic behaviours of ADHD are more likely to have suffered trauma. As a partner of an individual with ADHD symptoms, it is important to be mindful of these environmental events.
Please, be aware that youths and adults who have undergone trauma benefit from comprehensive multi-faceted interventions. At Bmindful we provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) specifically intended for individuals with ADHD symptoms. We also offer individual and group based 3rd Wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapies. For more information please visit our treatment options section or book an appointment.
References:
Orlov, M., & Kohlenberger, N. (2014). The couple’s guide to thriving with ADHD. Plantation, FL: Specialty Press.
Pera, G., & Robin, A. L. (2016). Adult ADHD-focused couple therapy: Clinical interventions. New York, NY: Taylor and Francis.