I've really struggled but it does not seem to work: adolescents' experiences of living with ADHD - a thematic analysis.

Background: In Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) the transition from childhood to adolescence encompass changes in symptom manifestation and related challenges. Given the potential negative impact of ADHD on adolescents, and the increased risk for dropping out from treatment, there is a need to understand more about how adolescents experience their condition. The aim of this study was to explore adolescents' perceptions of how it is to live with ADHD.

Methods: Twenty adolescents (15-17 years old, 12 girls) diagnosed with ADHD who had completed a skills training group were interviewed. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Four themes emerged: 'I find it hard to regulate what I take in and what comes out', 'I've really struggled but it does not seem to work', 'ADHD impacts my vitality and my relationships', and 'I can be successful and things are getting better'.

Conclusion: Adolescents with ADHD experience problems with self-regulation with regards to cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes. They describe being either on or off. This difficulty to self-regulate is related to primary and secondary consequences such as stress, anxiety, loss of control, and by extension exhaustion, depressed mood, challenges in social interactions, self-accusations and a tendency of giving up. The experience of 'being on' has positive connotations of vigour and creativity. The challenges related to ADHD can to some extent be overcome with time for recovery, coping strategies, and medical treatment. Symptoms of ADHD can also decrease over time.

Trial registration: This qualitative study was not pre-registered.