How do Young People with ADHD Perceive their Condition: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one the most prevalent of childhood diagnoses. There is limited research available from the perspective of the child or young person with ADHD. The current research explored how young people perceive ADHD. A secondary aim of the study was to explore to what extent they identify with ADHD. Five participants took part in this study. Their views were explored using semi-structured interviews guided by methods from Personal Construct Psychology. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Data analysis suggests that the young people’s views of ADHD are complex and, at times, contradictory. Four super-ordinate themes were identified: What is ADHD?, The role and impact of others on the experience of ADHD, Identity conflict and My relationship with ADHD. The young people’s contradictory views on ADHD are reflective of portrayals of ADHD in the media. A power imbalance was also identified where the young people perceive that they play a passive role in the management of their treatment. Finally, the young people’s accounts revealed a variety of approaches taken to make sense of their condition.