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Cited by 32Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderPsychology and Mental HealthSchizophrenia research and treatment

The impact of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood: A qualitative study

Watters, C., Adamis, D., McNicholas, F., Gavin, B.·2018·Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine
DOI 10.1017/ipm.2017.21
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Abstract

Objectives: There is limited evidence of the unmet needs and experiences of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previous research in this area is predominantly quantitative by nature, few studies employing qualitative approaches. This study seeks to provide a deeper insight into the lived experiences of adults with ADHD within Western Ireland. Methods: A qualitative design, consisting of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with a clinical sample in the Sligo/Leitrim area. Participants were eligible for this study if they screened positive for symptoms of ADHD, and diagnosed with ADHD with the Conners’ Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV. In total, 11 participants completed this research. The interviews were open ended and exploratory, adopting a phenomenological approach. Results: Thematic analysis was used to explore three main themes; The Burden of symptoms of ADHD, Perceived Positive and Negative Effects of ADHD and Challenge of Accessing Services, each with several subthemes. Conclusion: This research highlights the experiences of adults with ADHD. It is important for practitioners to be aware of the perceived positive and negative effects of the disorder, and how it can impact on their patient’s lives. In addition, becoming aware of the stigma associated with ADHD can help clinicians improve upon individual treatment plans to meet their patient’s needs. It is important to note that this sample experienced co-morbid diagnoses and so this may limit the interpretation of the findings. Further research in this area could explore patient’s attitudes towards receiving a formal diagnosis of ADHD.

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  • Stigma about the diagnosis of ADHD has been previously described as participants not being taken seriously and ultimately preventing their disclosure of the condition to others.

    “Stigma about the diagnosis of ADHD has been previously described as participants not being taken seriously (Lefler et al., 2016; Schrevel et al., 2016; Watters et al., 2018) and ultimately preventing their disclosure of the condition to others (Hansson Halleröd et al., 2015; Toner et al., 2006; Waite & Tran, 2010; Young et al., 2008).”

    From The experiences of adults with ADHD in interpersonal relationships and online communities: A qualitative study (2023) · cites this paper as Watters et al., 2018

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Authors
Watters, C., Adamis, D., McNicholas, F., & Gavin, B.
Affiliations
  • Sligo University Hospital (IE)
  • University College Dublin (IE)
Corresponding author
Adamis, D.
ORCID
Venue
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
2017-06-15
Volume
35
Issue
3
Pages
173-179
ISSN
  • 0790-9667 (ISSN-L)
  • 2051-6967
DOI
10.1017/ipm.2017.21
OpenAlex
W2626505995
Cited by
32
References
31
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 3 · 2013: 1
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified)
Locations
  • Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychology and Mental Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
Keywords
adult ADHD, lived experience, symptom burden, access to mental health care, ADHD stigma, comorbidities, western Ireland
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Female, Humans, Ireland, Male, Middle Aged, Self Concept, Qualitative Research, Young Adult, Social Stigma

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