Romantic Relationships and Sexual Behavior Among Adolescents With ADHD.
Samantha M MargherioElizabeth R CappsJohn W MonopoliSteven W EvansMelissa Hernandez-RodriguezJulie Sarno OwensGeorge J DuPaulPublished in: Journal of attention disorders (2020)
Objective: Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to (a) describe the romantic and sexual relationships of adolescents with ADHD and (b) examine how ADHD-related impairments (e.g., social skill deficits and emotion dysregulation [ED]) are associated with romantic relationship outcomes in this group. Method: Adolescents with ADHD (N = 171; 80% male; 70% White) responded to questions about their romantic and sexual relationship experiences and ED. Parents provided ratings of ADHD symptoms, ED, and social skills. Results: Adolescents with ADHD reported high rates of romantic relationship turnover and low rates of physical intimacy. More severe self-reported ED was associated with increased likelihood of engaging in romantic relationships, having more romantic relationship partners, increased likelihood of engaging in sexual intercourse, and increased likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex. Conclusion: Early intervention programs that alter the developmental trajectory of romantic relationships among individuals with ADHD may benefit from targeting ED among these youth.
Keyphrases
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- autism spectrum disorder
- mental health
- working memory
- emergency department
- young adults
- physical activity
- healthcare
- systematic review
- traumatic brain injury
- public health
- metabolic syndrome
- depressive symptoms
- early onset
- men who have sex with men
- adipose tissue
- sleep quality
- postmenopausal women
- drug delivery