Adolescents' experiences of being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a phenomenological study conducted in Sweden.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To explore adolescents' experiences of being diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Design

Qualitative interview study, using a phenomenological framework and analysis.

Setting

The children's clinic of a specialised out-care hospital located in a multicultural area of a Swedish city.

Participants

13 adolescents, 7 boys and 6 girls between 14 and 19 years old, who had been diagnosed with ADHD.

Results

The participants' experience of being diagnosed with ADHD was interpreted as a process of understanding oneself as being different, for better or worse, like many others. The participants sought acceptance and a sense of normality, while developing an understanding of both the positive and the negative sides of thei

SUBMITTER: Andersson Frondelius I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6720151 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature