title: Adolescents With ADHD: Experiences of Having an ADHD Diagnosis and Negotiations of Self-Image and Identity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop an understanding of the meanings and consequences of a diagnosis of ADHD for young people during the transition from childhood to adolescence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine youth with an ADHD diagnosis were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide on topics of management of identity and their own experiences of their difficulties relating to ADHD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The meanings and consequences of the ADHD diagnosis is best understood in terms of overall identity development and social connectedness. In addition, cultural understandings of what ADHD is play a major role in negotiating the role of ADHD in identity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Youth with ADHD moving from childhood to adulthood need support for identity development. Health care professionals should be aware of young people's experiences of ADHD symptoms in the context of their life situations and the cultural understanding of ADHD during treatment and psychoeducation.
authors.affiliation: 1 Aarhus University, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: 1 Aarhus University, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hesse
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D008297:Male; D017008:Negotiating; D010360:Patient Transfer; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: ADHD; adolescent ADHD; age; coping; culture