"Ja, men du ser ju inte ut att ha ADHD" - En kvalitativ intervjustudie om att få diagnosen ADHD fastställd i ungdoms- och vuxenåren

Sammanfattning

ADHD is a diagnosis that was believed to be a child diagnosis. Nowadays it is a known fact that the diagnosis remains in adulthood. Due to this, we found it interesting to immerse ourselves in the topic of adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how individuals who got the diagnosis as adults or youths reflect about three different aspects; how the diagnosis has affected them in their everyday life, what they believe about the societies view when it comes to ADHD and how they reason about gender differences related to ADHD. This study had a qualitative approach including semi-structured interviews with six individuals between the ages 22-47. The theory that is the starting point for this essay is Stigma by Erving Goffman because all respondents in one way or another had experienced stigma because of the behavior that comes with ADHD. Another theory was used as a compliment to cover the part about gender, the construction of gender by Judith Butler. The results of our study show that all the respondents now have a greater understanding about their behavioral issues in their childhood. The results also show that they have developed strategies on how to cope with their ADHD today. Nearly all respondents are certain about one thing, the society has received more knowledge and understanding about the diagnosis, but they believe it must increase. No one of the respondents believe that there is a relationship between the diagnosis and gender, instead they believe it depends on genes, hormones and socialization.