The lived experiences of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A rapid review of qualitative evidence

Ginapp, Callie M.; Macdonald-Gagnon, Grace; Angarita, Gustavo A.; Bold, Krysten W.; Potenza, Marc N.

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949321

Cited by 12 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 72 publications

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“…ADHD may also have beneficial features instead of being entirely a disability. Adults with ADHD have reflected that the condition may promote creativity and spontaneity and that learning to been cope with the struggles of ADHD can increase one’s growth, development, and awareness of oneself (Ginapp et al, 2022). Recent scholarship has remarked that the medical model of disability may benefit from incorporating the perspectives of the neurodiversity movement in order to provide better care to those affected by neurodevelopmental conditions (Sonuga-Barke & Thapar, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rethinking conceptualizations of adult ADHD and how care is provided: a qualitative study

Ginapp,

Greenberg,

Macdonald-Gagnon

et al. 2023

Preprint

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BackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that frequently persists into adulthood. Adults with ADHD often have unmet needs including experiencing high rates of substance use disorders, incarceration, and unemployment. Despite having unmet needs, there is little research on how adults with ADHD conceptualize their condition and how they believe the care they receive could be improved. We aimed to better understand what adults with ADHD would like the medical community to know about what it is like to live with ADHD and to characterize possible misconceptions of ADHD they would like to see addressed.MethodNine online focus groups involving young adults (aged 18-35 years, N = 43) recruited from online communities for people with ADHD were conducted. Data were analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological analysis framework.ResultsIndividually, participants reported wanting increased support, education, and rejection of stigma. Structurally, participants reported desiring ADHD to be reframed as a difference as opposed to a disorder, viewing of ADHD as a mismatch with their environments, and wanting the condition to be viewed through the lens of what it is like to embody the condition.ConclusionsIncorporating patient-lived experiences into psychiatric diagnoses may increase diagnostic patient-centeredness and help healthcare providers better meet patient needs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rethinking conceptualizations of adult ADHD and how care is provided: a qualitative study

Ginapp,

Greenberg,

Macdonald-Gagnon

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…Given these factors, a surge of ADHD diagnoses in the US has been termed as an epidemic problem (Paris et al, 2015). On the other hand, adults with ADHD often describe experiencing significant concerns in multiple domains that may not be adequately appreciated or identified by clinicians (Ginapp et al, 2022(Ginapp et al, , 2023. This indicates that further work is needed to better understand the disorder and its repercussions.…”

Section: The Asrs Screener and Adult Adhd Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cross-Cultural Adult ADHD Assessment in 42 Countries Using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener

Lewczuk,

Marcowski,

Wizła

et al. 2024

J Atten Disord

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Objective: We analyzed adult ADHD symptoms in a cross-cultural context, including investigating the occurrence and potential correlates of adult ADHD and psychometric examination of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener. Method: Our analysis is based on a large-scale research project involving 42 countries (International Sex Survey, N=72,627, 57% women, Mage=32.84; SDage=12.57). Results: The ASRS Screener demonstrated good reliability and validity, along with partial invariance across different languages, countries, and genders. The occurrence of being at risk for adult ADHD was relatively high (21.4% for women, 18.1% for men). The highest scores were obtained in the US, Canada, and other English-speaking Western countries, with significantly lower scores among East Asian and non-English-speaking European countries. Moreover, ADHD symptom severity and occurrence were especially high among gender-diverse individuals. Significant associations between adult ADHD symptoms and age, mental and sexual health, and socioeconomic status were observed. Conclusions: Present results show significant cross-cultural variability in adult ADHD occurrence as well as highlight important factors related to adult ADHD. Moreover, the importance of further research on adult ADHD in previously understudied populations (non-Western countries) and minority groups (gender-diverse individuals) is stressed. Lastly, the present analysis is consistent with previous evidence showing low specificity of adult ADHD screening instruments and contributes to the current discussion on accurate adult ADHD screening and diagnosis.

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“…A review on qualitative research examining the lived experience of adults with ADHD indicates that certain aspects of ADHD can be experienced as positive. 21 Within these studies, attributes like energy, creativity, determination, hyperfocus, adventurousness, curiosity and resilience were emphasised. [22][23][24][25] However, these studies have largely included small samples of high-functioning adults with ADHD.…”

Section: Strengths and Limitations Of This Studymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, there are a few recent qualitative studies that have explored the positive experiences of adults with ADHD. A review on qualitative research examining the lived experience of adults with ADHD indicates that certain aspects of ADHD can be experienced as positive 21. Within these studies, attributes like energy, creativity, determination, hyperfocus, adventurousness, curiosity and resilience were emphasised 22–25.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Silver linings of ADHD: a thematic analysis of adults’ positive experiences with living with ADHD

Nordby,

Guribye,

Nordgreen

et al. 2023

BMJ Open

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ObjectivesTo identify and explore positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as reported by adults with the diagnosis.DesignThe current study used a qualitative survey design including the written responses to an open-ended question on positive aspects of ADHD. The participants’ responses were analysed using thematic analysis.SettingThe participants took part in trial of a self-guided internet-delivered intervention in Norway. As part of the intervention, the participants were asked to describe positive aspects of having ADHD.ParticipantsThe study included 50 help-seeking adults with an ADHD diagnosis.ResultsThe participants described a variety of positive aspects related to having ADHD. The participants’ experiences were conceptualised and thematically organised into four main themes: (1) the dual impact of ADHD characteristics; (2) the unconventional mind; (3) the pursuit of new experiences and (4) resilience and growth.ConclusionsHaving ADHD was experienced as both challenging and beneficial, depending on the context and one’s sociocultural environment. The findings provide arguments for putting a stronger emphasis on positive aspects of ADHD, alongside the challenges, in treatment settings.Trial registration numberNCT04511169

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The lived experiences of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A rapid review of qualitative evidence

Cited by 12 publications

References 72 publications

Rethinking conceptualizations of adult ADHD and how care is provided: a qualitative study

Rethinking conceptualizations of adult ADHD and how care is provided: a qualitative study

Cross-Cultural Adult ADHD Assessment in 42 Countries Using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener

Silver linings of ADHD: a thematic analysis of adults’ positive experiences with living with ADHD

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