ADHD diagnosis, self-identity and personal relationships: Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study into the impact of an ADHD diagnosis upon self-identity and personal relationships in adolescents
IRAS ID
189174
Contact name
Laura Eccleston
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 17 days
Research summary
Does an adolescent’s diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affect their identity development and their relationships with others?\n\nADHD is the most common mental-health diagnosis in children and the most common reason for referral to mental health services. However there has been limited research into the psychosocial effects of being diagnosed with ADHD. The mean age of diagnosis is 10.1 years old, which is a critical period for identity formation. Individuals with this diagnosis tend to be lower in mood, higher in anxiety and have poorer quality interactions with family and peers than those without the diagnosis. \n\nUnderstanding more about how an ADHD diagnosis impacts upon a child’s identity formation and relationships with others may enable the development of methods to promote positive identity and more positive relationships.\n\nThis study will be qualitative and aim to produce a comprehensive model detailing how a diagnosis of ADHD may impact upon an adolescent’s identity. Adolescents who are aged 16-18 who were diagnosed with ADHD when they were aged 9-12 would be eligible for this study. Recruitment will take place at Bolton Royal Foundation Hospital Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and at Birch Hill Hospital, Transition Service for 16-17yr Olds, Rochdale. Additional participants will be recruited from non-clinical samples (e.g. University of Liverpool). Participants will be invited to an interview of up to one-hour to discuss their experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and how this may have impacted upon their identity and relationships. This study is funded by the University of Liverpool and will run until April 2017.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0946
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion