Divorce More Common in Parents of ADHD Children

Parents of children with ADHD are almost twice as likely to divorce.

Having a child with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) may put a strain on your marriage, according to new research from the State University of New York-Buffalo, published in the October issue of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.

The study revealed that 23 percent of parents had divorced by the time their child with ADHD turned eight, compared to only 13 percent of similar parents without ADHD children. (Parents were considered "similar" based on factors like age, education, and income.) After the child turned eight, however, the divorce rate in the ADHD group was not any higher than the non-ADHD group.

While the child's ADHD itself doesn't lead to marital strife, the stress of parenting a disruptive child can increase other marital conflicts, suggest the study authors. In addition, because ADHD can be inherited, a parent may also have the condition. Adults with ADHD may be impulsive and have trouble concentrating, which can also lead to conflict in a marriage.

The study authors recommend professional counseling to help couples cope with marital stresses.

Read more in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.