Be Careful, Researchers Say Women With ADHD Couples Are At Risk Of Depression

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JAKARTA - Disruption of the deficit of attention or hyperactivity (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders in children and adolescents, but the impact is often not recognized on adults.

Quoted from Medical Daily, Tuesday, November 12, a new study highlighted the impact of adult ADHD on the mental health of partners, revealing that these conditions increase the risk of depression in women and have a negative impact on their quality of life.

The study published in the 'Journal of Attention Disorders' showed that about 59 percent of women with couples with ADHD were depressed, with symptoms varied from mild to severe.

The researchers note that this is comparable to the level of depression seen in individual caregivers with conditions such as autism, heart rhythm disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and kidney failure.

"Our findings emphasize the importance of viewing ADHD as a condition that affects not only individuals but also their close relationship. By paying attention to the well-being of couples, we can take a more holistic approach in treatment, providing the tools needed both individuals and partners to improve their quality of life," the researchers wrote in a press release.

The study involved a questionnaire survey conducted between 100 Israeli heterosexual couples in which a male couple had been diagnosed with ADHD. On average, couples have been together for about nine years, with 65 couples getting married and 35 living together.

The participants completed a questionnaire who assessed the symptoms of male ADHD, while they themselves were screened for depression, quality of life, and overall welfare. The findings show a clear relationship: the worse the symptoms of male ADHD, the greater the chance that their partner will experience symptoms of depression and report lower quality of life.

Interestingly, women report better quality of life when their partner consistently takes ADHD drugs.

"These findings may suggest that pharmacological treatments can also have a beneficial effect on couples other than individuals with ADHD," the researchers wrote.

The researchers also suggested that women can manage some negative effects from couple ADHD by prioritizing self-care. Studies show that women who focus on their own well-being, through exercising, spending time with friends, and taking personal time, have a smaller chance of developing depression and reporting better quality of life, even though their partner is experiencing ADHD.

Although the findings present a higher risk for symptoms of depression in women whose partners have ADHD, this study does not establish a causal relationship between the two.

"Further longitudinal research is needed to check the direction of this association and develop targeted interventions to support both individuals with ADHD and their partners," the researchers wrote.