Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Women Living With a Partner Diagnosed With ADHD

Abstract

Objective: This study explores the depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) of women in relationships with partners diagnosed with ADHD, as well as the role of engagement in health-promoting activities (HPA) on these outcomes, spotlighting the often-neglected perspective of these women. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional approach, the study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore associations between partners’ ADHD functional impairment, women’s involvement in HPA, and their depressive symptoms and QoL. Results: Functional impairment in partners with ADHD was positively associated with women’s depressive symptoms and negatively associated with their QoL, whereas women’s engagement in HPA was positively associated with their QoL and negatively associated with their depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The findings suggest that women partnered with individuals diagnosed with ADHD may face an elevated risk of depressive symptoms and lowered QoL. The results highlight the potential need for a more comprehensive clinical approach to adult ADHD treatment that considers functional impairments and the experiences of partners. Incorporating HPA into therapeutic strategies appears beneficial. However, longitudinal research is needed to examine the direction of these associations and to develop potential interventions to support these women.