A.D.H.D - It's Not Just Childs Play..

Does it sometimes feel like you have to tell you spouse over and over to do a chore? Does it feel like it goes in one ear and out the other? You don't mean to nag - but without asking repeatedly the task will never be completed?
Well it maybe it's because your spouse has Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
According to the New York Times, a marriage where one spouse has the disorder common symptoms are
-- distraction, disorganization, forgetfulness can easily be misinterpreted as laziness, selfishness, and a lack of love and concern.
Adults with A.D.H.D can be fully functioning in the workplace and in life in general but at home they tend to get distracted my small things a result of relaxing and not using their organizational techniques they may use at work, or during the day.
Experts think that at least 4% of adults have the disorder and as many as half of all children with A.D.H.D do not fully outgrow it and continue to struggle with simple tasks well into adulthood. Marriages in which one of the spouses has the disorder are 2x as likely to get a divorce according to some studies. Having a spouse that is 'consistently inconsistent' leads to chronic anger and resentment, said one non-A.D.H.D spouse.
What can be done? Generally medication is the first step to addressing A.D.H.D but therapy is also key. Talking out the issues and resentment that have accumulated in the marriage will help let both parties understand how the other feels.
Have you had any experiences with adult A.D.H.D, how did you approach it?
Have more questions? Check out AARP's site on ADHD

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