How ADHD Can Hamper Sex —And How Both Partners Can Help

During sex, partners don’t only connect physically; they can connect emotionally and spiritually, too. During this kind of intimacy, couples are able to be fully present, focusing on their partners—without the distractions of phones, jobs, and expanding to-do lists. Which is vital. After all, satisfying sex contributes to a satisfying relationship—and even a satisfying life, according to Ari Tuckman, PsyD, CST, a psychologist, certified sex therapist, and speaker specializing in ADHD, relationships, and sexuality. Sex also provides us with a pleasurable break from daily mundane tasks—like chores, bills—and complex matters—like parenting, he said. But for many couples where one partner has ADHD, the challenges of the disorder can hamper sex—and their relationship. Interestingly, the challenges that hamper sex don’t really have anything to do with sex. In fact, what can impair sexual intimacy has more to do with what happens in every other area of your life. That is, ADHD can affect how partners get along and run their household, especially if ADHD is poorly managed—which is what affects sex. For example, Tuckman described a common dynamic that arises in couples with ADHD: The partner with ADHD struggles to follow through on a task, and gets defensive when their partner points it out. After a while, the partner without ADHD becomes increasingly controlling about how tasks should be done and angry when their partner doesn’t meet these expectations. Conseq...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: ADHD and ADD Disorders General Happiness Marriage and Divorce Relationships Self-Help Sexuality Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Intimacy Sex Life Source Type: blogs