Online Narratives by Adults With ADHD Who Were Diagnosed in Adulthood

Abstract

This study systematically analyzed life stories of adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who were diagnosed in adulthood, using an adapted version of Labov’s textual-analysis method. These life stories provided an opportunity to examine the processes experienced by these individuals before and after the diagnosis of ADHD, from their perspective. The results indicate that the narrators experienced repeated failures in many aspects of life. Many of them internalized negative views to which they have been subjected to in their social environment. Consequently, they developed self-blame that subsequently further hampered their functioning. Once diagnosed with ADHD, these adults were able to construct a more coherent view of their life and of their difficulties, move beyond guilt, and understand that they could overcome their challenges. Consequently, many of them began to take a more positive view of themselves and of the course of their lives, and to admit to some positive aspects of having ADHD.