The Missed And Dismissed Diagnosis: Experiences of People Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Beyond Childhood

Abstract

<p>This study explores people’s life experiences when they are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an adult, the impact of this diagnosis and how they experience living with ADHD. ADHD is often missed as a diagnosis in children whom have inattentive type ADHD, as “characteristic” symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsiveness are not as prominent and therefore the child does not typically stand out in a school setting as having problematic or challenging behaviours. Consequently many children may navigate through their childhood and teen years not receiving a diagnosis until sometime into their adult years. In an attempt to give this group a voice I have created an opportunity for a small group of adults diagnosed with ADHD as adults to share their experiences in this qualitative research study. Discussions and findings from my research include the participants’ experiences of feeling relieved after being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, their resulting responses of thinking about things differently, changing expectations and seeking more information. Participants shared everyday challenges of living with ADHD including physical and cognitive, challenges of daily living and challenges in the school environment. Participants also talked about the emotional impact when relating their experiences of living with ADHD, including having low self esteem, ongoing struggles with feelings of failure, not fitting in and self blame. The purpose of my research was to inform helping professions, and specifically the social work profession, about the experience of receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood and the realities of living with ADHD. The last area of my findings and discussion fulfills this purpose as it focuses on professional support.</p>