Anxiety disorders in intimate partners and the quality of their relationship

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to explain whether anxiety disorders presenting in one or both partners of a relationship can influence the latter and to what extent.

Methods: This study included 85 couples, where: 1) the male partner suffered from an anxiety disorder and female partner was free from this type of disorder (F((-))M((+)), n=20); 2) the female partner suffered from an anxiety disorder and the male partner was free from this type of disorder (F((+))M((-)); n=40); and 3) both partners were affected with anxiety disorders (F((+))M((+)), n=25). The quality of the relationship was assessed by both partners using three different scales: 1) Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), 2) Family Attitude Scale (FAS), and 3) Marriage Success Scale (SPM).

Results: In case of the SPM scale, women from F((-))M((+)) group evaluated their marriages significantly compared to other groups. In case of males, the self-evaluated quality of marriage was the lowest in the case of individuals from F((+))M((+)) group. In case of the DAS scale, women and men being free from anxiety disorders assessed the quality of their relationships significantly higher than other participants. The analyzed groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean values scored in the FAS scale.

Limitations: The lack of a multifactorial analysis taking into account the effects of a variety of anxiety disorders.

Conclusion: The presence of anxiety disorders in at least one partner negatively affects the quality of partner relationship. The couples where the female partners are affected are particularly fragile.