The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps

Melissa's book "ADHD Effect on Marriage" is like a Bible for couples in troubled relationships due to the fascinating brain condition, that is ADHD. The content, style of writing and the tools offered are excellent, professional and most of all practical & actionable. The author is able to display the positive and negative aspects of Adult ADHD when it is not treated appropriately, by acknowledging the difficulties of both spouses equally. Melissa has had the firsthand experience of being in an ADHD relationship and being able to work through it, which puts her high up along with other professionals, and in my book may be even more.I see a lot of comparisons to Gina Pera's book "Is it you me or Adult A.D.D.?" in the other reviews, but I don't think there's any need for comparing the two books because even though both talk about ADHD they both have very different approaches. It is important to see what fits for each person. That doesn't make Melissa's book or tools any less important or valid. I am a Mental Health professional in the field of Social Work as well as an individual with a partner who has ADHD. Melissa's experience and knowledge as described in her book not only helped me to a great extent to understand the dynamics of my own relationship, but helped many of my clients as well to whom I have recommended the book. I believe that Melissa speaks the language which is familiar to anyone with ADHD without hurting anyone and also is able to guide couples very well through her detailed descriptions and steps in the book. I highly appreciate her passion, sincerity and dedication to share the knowledge to help others who are in a similar situation, through the journey of recovery and healing from the "ADHD effect" (as she says). Anyone who has lived with a partner with ADHD can easily identify with the dynamics Melissa has described in the book. I like the fact that she talks about `denial' in both spouses and places emphasis on the symptoms and responses that play a major role in ADHD affected relationships. I can see that it could be difficult for some non ADHD spouses to accept their part and it is part of that process of passing through the stage of denial which appears to be the most important phase for both spouses to move forward. I can understand this from my own experience. I would say that it is important for both the spouses to make a conscious choice and decision to remain in the relationship and work through the problems, after understanding the positive and negative factors of ADHD in a relationship. This book will play a major role in facilitating that understanding. It also gives great insight into both realities of ADHD and non ADHD and will help the spouses appreciate the differences which is the main key in the process of repairing the relationship. I haven't found a better resource than this book if one is interested in reversing the patterns that are common in ADHD affected relationships. I would highly recommend this book and give Melissa all the credit for her excellent work in this field. I also wish her all the best and success for her future work, much of which is needed as we have just started to understand Adult ADHD and there's a long way to go.

A must read. Very helpful for one who is married or in a relationship with someone with a diagnosis of ADHD. As the non-ADHD partner, this book gives real life examples and things to look for. It completely reframes behaviors, responses, and relationships within the ADHD context. Not only does it explain the thought processes and habits of the person with ADHD, it gives the non-ADHD partner coping and response strategies. They have been helpful. Thank you!

I have listened to this book on audible but wanted to have the paperback version to go through and highlight points for reference. The is seperated in short chapters that each have a point to the chapter. There are lots of examples referring to couples who have struggled with different things and how they worked through them. It gives really great ideas for both sides of the marriage to work together instead in the Parent/child relationship. It also gives free access to the website that has lots of resources to use to help you both navigate making your marriage stronger.

Apparently something to consider before dating or marrying. If I could do it again, I would side step those with ADHD, even dating! It was not recognized in the 70’s, been together 50 years now (married 47, in marriage counseling 3 times and have 2 ADHD children). One of the counselors mentioned my husband having it; but never explored it as perhaps a source of the problem. My husband listened to the audio version, never been medicated with no interest in adapting any new strategies. He was proud of himself for staying faithful (although lines have been crossed). Glad to hear there is such a thing as support groups for the non-ADHD spouse/parent - that brought some validation to my tired heart and soul. Only God kept us together, beating the odds (higher divorce rate likely).