title: ADHD in college: A qualitative analysis.
abstract: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects many adults and is particularly impairing for emerging adults enrolled in college. Research has shown substantial academic impairment for these individuals. However, research on ADHD impairment has largely been quantitative and focused on children. Therefore, the current study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the lived experience of college students with ADHD with the following two research questions: (1) What is it like to be a college student with ADHD? and (2) What resources are utilized by college students with ADHD? Thirty-six college students with ADHD were interviewed in focus group settings. Our participants reported a complex and mixed experience living with ADHD in college and varied use of treatments and other accommodations. Specifically, three Constructs emerged in the current study: Consequences of Diagnosis, Impairment, and Treatment Management. Implications for professionals working with these students and future directions for researchers are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Northern Iowa, 1078 Bartlett Hall, Cedar Falls, IA, 50614-0505, USA. elizabeth.lefler@uni.edu.
authors.forename: Elizabeth K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Lefler
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Northern Iowa, 1078 Bartlett Hall, Cedar Falls, IA, 50614-0505, USA.|Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Gina M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Sacchetti
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Dawn I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Del Carlo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: ADHD; Adult ADHD; College students; IPA; Impairment; Qualitative