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. 2020 Jul 16;20(1):373.
doi: 10.1186/s12888-020-02774-y.

The experiences of receiving a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder during adulthood in Japan: a qualitative study

Yumi Aoki  1 , Takashi Tsuboi  2 , Takehiko Furuno  3 , Koichiro Watanabe  2 , Mami Kayama  4
Affiliations

The experiences of receiving a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder during adulthood in Japan: a qualitative study

Yumi Aoki et al. BMC Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Background: Although the number of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased considerably in recent years, there are few qualitative investigations of the experiences of adults with adult-diagnosed ADHD in Japan. This study aimed to explore in depth the diagnosis-related experiences and needs of such adults.

Methods: Participants were 12 psychiatric outpatients aged 23-55 years diagnosed with ADHD during adulthood. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine participants' experiences of receiving, and subsequently coping with, an ADHD diagnosis. A thematic analysis of the interview data was performed.

Results: Six themes emerged: difficulties in accepting the diagnosis, interest in ADHD, feelings of relief, identity concerns, dealing with symptoms, and acceptance of ADHD. Despite initial negative reactions, participants were willing to learn about the disorder, spending time seeking ADHD-related information and sharing it with loved ones. Participants felt relieved after the diagnosis, as they realized why they had experienced long-term problems and incorrect labeling. However, participants also had identity concerns. They gradually began to accept their ADHD symptoms and deal with them better.

Conclusions: The results suggest that, when treating individuals with adult-diagnosed ADHD, it is important to promote self-understanding and reduce negative attitudes toward ADHD; to provide appropriate, brief, evidence-based information about ADHD; and to give individuals sufficient time to think about their ADHD symptoms, how they have affected their daily lives, and how to cope with them in the future.

Keywords: Adults; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Developmental disabilities; Qualitative research.

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Conflict of interest statement

Author Takashi Tsuboi has received consultant fees from Pfizer and speaker’s honoraria from Tsumura, Eli Lilly, Meiji-Seika Pharma, MSD, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Yoshitomi Yakuhin, Mochida Pharmaceutical, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Kyowa Pharmaceutical, and Takeda Pharmaceutical. Author Koichiro Watanabe has received manuscript fees or speaker’s honoraria from Astellas Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Kyowa Pharmaceutical, Meiji Seika Pharma, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, MSD, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Shionogi, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, Takeda Pharmaceutical, and Yoshitomi and has received research/grant support from Astellas Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, MSD, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Meiji Seika Pharma, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Shionogi, and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma and is a consultant of Eisai, Eli Lilly, Kyowa Pharmaceutical, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, Taisho Toyama Pharmaceutical, and Takeda Pharmaceutical. Other authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The diagram of the experiences of receiving ADHD diagnosis during adulthood
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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