Rachel and Kevin had another fight about who left the cabinet doors open. They both began to wonder what had become of their marriage.
Not good.
Initially, Rachel appreciated that Kevin — a man with undiagnosed ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)— was spontaneous and full of energy. Ten years later, that same spontaneity feels like total chaos. Rachel has become resentful that he never remembers to do the laundry and is always running late.
After their son was diagnosed with ADHD, a light bulb went off. Kevin decided to seek adult ADHD testing in Columbus, Ohio, in the hopes that getting answers might help his marriage to rebuild connection and find solutions.
How Undiagnosed ADHD Impacts Relationships
ADHD is a condition you’re born with. It means your brain struggles to regulate focus, emotions, certain types of memory, and your motivation toward your goals. But here’s the twist: adults with ADHD learn to compensate and mask their symptoms. Turns out, the mask stops working as well when you’re in a serious relationship. The longer you live with someone, the harder it is to ignore their struggles with being on time, completing projects, or listening intently.
In addition to the classic symptoms of ADHD, there’s also a phenomenon that many people with ADHD struggle with called Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)—a brain-based overreactivity to criticism or rejection that causes big emotions (and big reactions: enter a blow-up or a total shutdown).
Over time, these brain differences create misunderstandings—and misunderstandings tend to lead to a loss of connection.
The Power of Clarity: What ADHD Testing Reveals
ADHD testing reveals how a person’s brain works. It uncovers that they are not broken, but different. In many ways, some of your best qualities can be tied to ADHD. However, those traits get clouded by low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, and self-worth issues that arise without understanding how your brain naturally functions.
How ADHD Testing Improves Marital Connection
When people are diagnosed with ADHD, many express relief and validation. Finally, they know they’re not broken and can find the right support (i.e., medication, ADHD-focused couples therapy, ADHD-focused therapy). This helps marriages—it changes the story: Kevin wasn’t late because he didn’t care; he struggled with time blindness.
Once ADHD is accurately diagnosed, connection and communication can begin to improve dramatically.
Reconnecting Through Understanding
Connection and communication are the foundation of every healthy relationship. When ADHD goes undiagnosed, these foundations can easily crack under stress and misunderstanding.
Rebuilding your relationship begins with empathy — for both the partner with ADHD and the partner without it. With an accurate diagnosis and a shared understanding of how ADHD impacts each person’s experience, couples can begin to repair trust, strengthen communication, and reconnect on a deeper level.
After getting an accurate diagnosis, you can finally start to make sense of how your brains work differently. That understanding makes it a lot easier to find real solutions and reconnect as a couple.
Key Takeaways
- Undiagnosed—or even unacknowledged—ADHD can negatively affect daily relationship dynamics.
- An accurate ADHD diagnosis can enhance communication and help couples get on the same page by building the right tools.
Begin Adult ADHD Testing in Columbus, OH
Wondering if you have ADHD? You don’t have to live your life feeling out of control without knowing why. Comprehensive ADHD testing can help you find answers. Our Columbus, OH counseling practice has caring therapists who specialize in ADHD Treatment. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Fill out the contact form to schedule a free 15-minute phone
- Meet with one of our caring therapists.
- Stop feeling lost. Start finding answers and more effective tools.
Other ADHD Services Offered at Focused Mind ADHD Counseling
Adult ADHD testing is not the only service we offer at our Columbus, OH counseling practice. At Focused Mind ADHD Counseling, we offer a variety of mental health services, including ADHD treatment. As an adult with ADHD, you may also benefit from anxiety treatment for ADHD, counseling for men with ADHD, counseling for women with ADHD, ADHD-focused couples therapy, depression counseling for ADHD, and partners of ADHD group. You can also view our blog for more resources and helpful info.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Testing in Columbus, Ohio
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a detailed process. It usually includes a mix of evidence-based questionnaires, a clinical interview, input from people who know you well, and objective attention or memory testing.
What to expect during an evaluation?
ADHD testing typically takes about 2-3 hours but can be completed in one day. A thorough ADHD assessment should also include a feedback session and comprehensive report.
About the Author
Billy Roberts, LISW-S, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and ADHD expert in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in ADD/ADHD in adults. He has been seen in TimeMagazine, CNN, HuffPost, and Forbes discussing his unique approach to ADHD-focused therapy. See Full Bio.
