New research funded by us provides important insights into ADHD, revealing a potential link between higher levels of ADHD traits and an increased risk of harm within intimate and romantic relationships.
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests people with ADHD may be at an increased risk of certain forms of interpersonal harm, such as social exclusion and bullying. But research into intimate partner violence specifically is still limited.Dr Amber John
The British Journal of Psychiatry reports today on new findings from researchers at the University of Liverpool and UCL, led by Dr Amber John, indicating that childhood traits of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be linked to an increased likelihood of experiencing intimate partner violence by age 51.
Over recent years, public awareness of ADHD has grown. Yet much about the condition remains poorly understood, particularly among women and people in mid- and later adulthood, who are often underrepresented in research.
To address these gaps, Amber and colleagues are working to shed light on why people with ADHD frequently face structural, social and health inequalities throughout their lives - from mental health difficulties and educational disadvantages to, importantly, challenges within close relationships.
“There is a growing body of evidence that suggests people with ADHD may be at an increased risk of certain forms of interpersonal harm, such as social exclusion and bullying,” explains Amber. “But research into intimate partner violence specifically is still limited.”
Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to behaviours within a romantic or intimate relationship that can cause harm. It is a multi-dimensional issue encompassing physical, psychological, emotional or sexual abuse, as well as coercive control. In England and Wales, alarming statistics indicate that around 23% of women and 10% of men experience IPV at some point in adulthood.
IPV can occur at any age and has profound consequences for the mental and physical health of those who experience it. Research suggests that some neurodivergent groups, such as Autistic people, may be more susceptible to experiencing certain forms of violence, often reporting difficulties recognising abusive behaviours. Yet the link between vulnerability to IPV and ADHD remains under-explored, particularly among adults in later life.
In this study, Amber and her team analysed data from a long-running UK birth cohort, following people born in a single week in 1970, to see whether childhood ADHD traits were associated with experiences of IPV by age 51. Children who showed higher levels of traits commonly linked to ADHD - such as difficulties with attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity - were compared with those who showed lower levels.
The researchers found that children with elevated ADHD traits were significantly more likely to experience IPV by middle age. This pattern held across all forms of harm, including harassment, financial abuse, physical violence, coercive control, and sexual violence.
For context, about one in four women and one in seven men without high ADHD traits reported harm in intimate or romantic relationships. Among those with ADHD traits, it was one in three women and one in five men.
“Several factors may contribute to this pattern,” explains Amber. “People with ADHD often face mental health challenges and adverse life experiences, which may increase their vulnerability to harmful relationships or make it harder to seek support.
“We want to be very clear: this does not mean ADHD causes IPV. Responsibility always lies with the perpetrator. Instead, the findings highlight a potential inequality in exposure to interpersonal harm for this group, who may benefit from targeted and accessible support services.”
She stresses that most people with high ADHD traits did not report experiencing IPV. “Our results show a population-level increase in likelihood, rather than an inevitable outcome for any individual.”
We are proud to support research that will improve services for those affected by both ADHD and IPV.Dr Angela Hind
Dr Joshua Stott (UCL), co-author of the study, adds, “Professionals supporting people with ADHD should recognise that some may face higher risks of interpersonal harm, and ensure conversations about relationship safety are accessible and sensitive. Likewise, IPV services could benefit from a better understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions so that support is inclusive and easy to access.”
At the Medical Research Foundation, Dr Angela Hind, Chief Executive, says, “ADHD can profoundly affect many aspects of a person’s life – education, work, relationships, and health. We are proud to support research that will help people with ADHD understand their relationship dynamics and improve services for those affected by both ADHD and IPV.”
See the full study here >>
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