A new study brings attention to the often-overlooked challenges faced by women in relationships with partners diagnosed with ADHD. The research reveals that the partners’ ADHD symptoms are associated with higher rates of depression and lower quality of life in women. However, women who engage in health-promoting activities experience fewer depressive symptoms and improved well-being. The findings suggest that ADHD treatment should not only focus on the individual with ADHD but also consider the well-being of their partners, offering new opportunities for supportive interventions. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and develop targeted solutions.

A recent study by researchers Dana Zeides Taubin, Haya Fogel-Grinvald, and Prof. Adina Maeir from the School of Occupational Therapy at Hebrew University brings attention to the often overlooked experiences of women in relationships with partners diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The research investigates the link between partners’ ADHD symptoms and women’s mental health and quality of life, providing valuable insights for both clinicians and couples.

The study’s results show that:

• Women partnered with individuals diagnosed with ADHD may face an increased risk of depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life.
• Partners with ADHD who have more difficulties in daily functioning are linked to higher levels of depression in women and a lower quality of life for them.
• Engagement in health-promoting activities (HPA) by women is positively linked to their quality of life and negatively associated with depressive symptoms.

• Women partnered with individuals diagnosed with ADHD may face an increased risk of depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life.
• Partners with ADHD who have more difficulties in daily functioning are linked to higher levels of depression in women and a lower quality of life for them.
• Engagement in health-promoting activities (HPA) by women is positively linked to their quality of life and negatively associated with depressive symptoms.

This research has important implications for clinical practice and emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to treating adult ADHD. Clinicians are encouraged to take into account not only the individual diagnosed with ADHD but also the experiences and well-being of their partners.

The study suggests that integrating health-promoting activities into therapeutic approaches may benefit partners of individuals with ADHD. This discovery creates new opportunities for developing tailored supportive interventions for this often overlooked group.