Married to A Queen of Distraction.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was historically linked to hyperactive behaviours in boys and presumed resolved in adulthood. Girls with ADHD, often presented with inattention and emotional dysregulation, frequently went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as depression and anxiety. The delayed diagnosis of ADHD in women has significant implications for their marriages. The impact on marital relationships can be viewed from two angles: the direct effects of ADHD symptoms and the responses of their spouses to these symptoms. Core ADHD symptoms, including attention dysregulation, disorganisation, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation, substantially disrupt marital harmony. Societal expectations regarding women's roles in marriage, encompass responsibilities such as home organisation, childcare, and financial management, which intensifies the distress experienced by women with ADHD as they grapple with fulfilling these roles while contending with their symptoms. This often results in feelings of resentment, shame, guilt and a pervasive sense of failure. Simultaneously, their attention dysregulation, which alternates between distractibility and hyperfocus, can make spouses feel neglected and unimportant. Emotional and impulsivity can further strain the relationship. The first step in managing ADHD within a marriage is obtaining a proper diagnosis and recognising ADHD as contributing to marital conflicts. An accurate diagnosis can be a relief alongside grief. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of ADHD offer a transformative perspective on the complex challenges faced in marriage. While medication may prove beneficial in addressing ADHD symptoms, a holistic approach is essential. Recognising strengths and vulnerabilities, addressing target symptoms through behavioural strategies such as implementing external structures for organisation, modifying the environment, and establishing routines that include regular emotional check-ins while employing empathetic and supportive communication are invaluable tools for managing ADHD within the context of marriage. Raising awareness of the concealed struggles faced by women with ADHD in marriage can lead to support for more robust and healthier relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]