ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) late in life : Individuals' perceptions of an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood

The purpose of this study was to investigate how an ADHD diagnosis late in life as an adult can have effected childhood and adult life. It is a qualitative study executed by interviewing four adults, two men and two women. The individuals in the study had all experienced difficulties in their childhood and in school and had all felt different from the rest of the ambient. None of the interviewees were on medication for ADHD but most were open for trying. Support from school or other settings had been minimal. Work was described as an important part of their lives and that a significant part of it was to not become restless. None of the interviewees had committed serious crime but some talked about substance abuse in form of alcohol. All of the individuals in the study showed strong qualities that had helped them through difficult times. They had all reacted positively to the diagnosis as it gave a greater understanding for their problems. Almost all talked about how life before and after diagnosis had affected their confidence mostly the women but they all had experienced problems with mental health