Adult ADHD predicts intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization irrespective of gender and age

Abstract Understanding the determinants of intimate partner violence (IPV) from perpetrator and victim perspectives has become a major objective of behavioral science. Empirical evidence suggests that adults at risk for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), compared to the general populat...

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Main Authors: Johannes Merscher, Steffen Barra, Anika May Xander, Paula Gratiela Patrasc, Petra Retz-Junginger, Wolfgang Retz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-02-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-74222-w
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author Johannes Merscher
Steffen Barra
Anika May Xander
Paula Gratiela Patrasc
Petra Retz-Junginger
Wolfgang Retz
author_facet Johannes Merscher
Steffen Barra
Anika May Xander
Paula Gratiela Patrasc
Petra Retz-Junginger
Wolfgang Retz
author_sort Johannes Merscher
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Understanding the determinants of intimate partner violence (IPV) from perpetrator and victim perspectives has become a major objective of behavioral science. Empirical evidence suggests that adults at risk for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), compared to the general population, tend to have more conflictual partnerships, and the presence of ADHD increases the risk of aggressive behavior. Possible influences of gender have not been sufficiently investigated yet. Using data from an anonymous online survey, this study examined the relationship between ADHD and IPV in 316 male and female individuals with (n = 131) and without (n = 185) ADHD. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that adults at risk for ADHD had more frequently become both victims and perpetrators of IPV compared to the healthy control group. ADHD achieved significant incremental variance over gender and age. Thus, the presence of ADHD seems to be an important risk factor for IPV irrespective of gender and age. Accordingly, research and treatment approaches focusing on ADHD must not neglect the risk of IPV among patients but should offer specific psychological support.
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spelling doaj-art-6b7d6e5d7bd44ef99d5907a5d33e04b82025-08-20T02:48:16ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-02-011511810.1038/s41598-024-74222-wAdult ADHD predicts intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization irrespective of gender and ageJohannes Merscher0Steffen Barra1Anika May Xander2Paula Gratiela Patrasc3Petra Retz-Junginger4Wolfgang Retz5Institute for Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, Saarland University Medical CenterInstitute for Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, Saarland University Medical CenterInstitute for Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, Saarland University Medical CenterInstitute for Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, Saarland University Medical CenterInstitute for Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, Saarland University Medical CenterInstitute for Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, Saarland University Medical CenterAbstract Understanding the determinants of intimate partner violence (IPV) from perpetrator and victim perspectives has become a major objective of behavioral science. Empirical evidence suggests that adults at risk for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), compared to the general population, tend to have more conflictual partnerships, and the presence of ADHD increases the risk of aggressive behavior. Possible influences of gender have not been sufficiently investigated yet. Using data from an anonymous online survey, this study examined the relationship between ADHD and IPV in 316 male and female individuals with (n = 131) and without (n = 185) ADHD. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that adults at risk for ADHD had more frequently become both victims and perpetrators of IPV compared to the healthy control group. ADHD achieved significant incremental variance over gender and age. Thus, the presence of ADHD seems to be an important risk factor for IPV irrespective of gender and age. Accordingly, research and treatment approaches focusing on ADHD must not neglect the risk of IPV among patients but should offer specific psychological support.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-74222-w
spellingShingle Johannes Merscher
Steffen Barra
Anika May Xander
Paula Gratiela Patrasc
Petra Retz-Junginger
Wolfgang Retz
Adult ADHD predicts intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization irrespective of gender and age
Scientific Reports
title Adult ADHD predicts intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization irrespective of gender and age
title_full Adult ADHD predicts intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization irrespective of gender and age
title_fullStr Adult ADHD predicts intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization irrespective of gender and age
title_full_unstemmed Adult ADHD predicts intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization irrespective of gender and age
title_short Adult ADHD predicts intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization irrespective of gender and age
title_sort adult adhd predicts intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization irrespective of gender and age
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-74222-w
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