Adolescent and parent/caregiver experience of ADHD diagnosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The adolescent and parent/caregiver experience of receiving a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adolescence: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
IRAS ID
256440
Contact name
S J (Ash) Summers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teesside University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, M/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity. Many difficulties are associated with ADHD, and the impact extends to systems surrounding the individual. There is currently little research which explores the experience of being diagnosed with ADHD during adolescence from both the young person and parent/caregiver perspectives. The adolescent period is one of significant physical and developmental change. Receiving a diagnosis of a highly stigmatised condition in this period may differentiate the adolescent from peers, and affect self-esteem and self-identity. Understanding how this diagnosis impacts upon both the young person and their families may provide insight into how diagnoses are communicated and managed, an area which is paramount in young people’s willingness to engage with treatment.
The majority of research in this area comes from international studies, few of which focus solely on receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. The existing literature points to an evident need to capture the experiences of an under-researched population in relation to a complex psychiatric disorder. The proposed study aims to address this gap in the research by exploring adolescents’ and parents’ experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. Adolescents (male and female; aged 13-17) who have received a diagnosis of ADHD during adolescence, and their parents/caregivers will be recruited from two Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) sites in North East England. Individual semi-structured interviews will be conducted at CAMHS sites and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA); a qualitative approach aiming to understand participants’ lived experience. To help improve the credibility, accuracy, validity and transferability of the results triangulation will occur. This will involve member checking of themes; whereby selected participants will be provided with findings to check for authenticity. Results will be discussed in relation to psychological theory, literature and clinical practice implications.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
19/WS/0075
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion