By Michael Dayan, PhD RCC CCC
I have received a few requests for books on navigating relationships when one or both partners have ADHD. Although I generally recommend therapy to address specific concerns I do believe the following books can be quite helpful. These books blend evidence-based insights with practical strategies:
Taking Charge of Adult ADHD by Russell A. Barkley
Taking Charge condenses decades of longitudinal and neuropsychological research with chapters on interpersonal functioning and relationship management.
The ADHD Marriage Workbook: A User-Friendly Guide to Improving Your Relationship by Michael T. Bell
The ADHD Marriage Workbook provides structured exercises based on CBT and couples-therapy protocols to address ADHD-driven conflicts.
Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood by Edward M. Hallowell & John J. Ratey
Driven to Distraction is broad in scope but it provides troves of clinical trials and neurobiological studies with a particularly poignant section on adult relationships.
Two other resources that specifically address navigating the impact of ADHD on marriage include:
The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps by Melissa Orlov
The Couple’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD by Melissa Orlov and Nancie Kohlenberger