From the Washington Post:

Couples who have a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are nearly twice as likely to divorce or separate as couples who do not have children with the disorder, according to a definitive new study.

The reason, apparently, is that children who are inattentive or hyperactive can exacerbate conflicts, tensions and arguments between parents.

Researchers said the evidence suggests that parents are psychologically worn thin by difficult exchanges with their children, and thus have less ability to respond to other challenges calmly. Several researchers said parents need to develop techniques to improve coping skills, and to take good care of themselves.

… “Many parents do not take care of themselves. We encourage them to do that even though they may feel they have no time because of all their commitments to their families,” said Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, a psychologist who directs the University of Maryland’s ADHD Program. “One of our mantras is, ‘If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t do your best as a parent.’ “

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 at 1:00 pm and is filed under ADHD, families, marriage. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.