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ADHD in college: A qualitative analysis

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ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders

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.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Crystal Sivia for her assistance with data collection, Megan Schau for her contributions during data analysis, and the research assistants who transcribed hours and hours of focus group discussions. Finally, we are grateful to the students with ADHD who so graciously shared their experiences. This project was funded by a University of Northern Iowa Internal Seed Grant.

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  1. Gina M. Sacchetti

    Present address: Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Northern Iowa, 1078 Bartlett Hall, Cedar Falls, IA, 50614-0505, USA

    Elizabeth K. Lefler & Gina M. Sacchetti

  2. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, USA

    Dawn I. Del Carlo

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  1. Elizabeth K. Lefler
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  3. Dawn I. Del Carlo
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Correspondence to Elizabeth K. Lefler.

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Lefler, E.K., Sacchetti, G.M. & Del Carlo, D.I. ADHD in college: A qualitative analysis. ADHD Atten Def Hyp Disord 8, 79–93 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-016-0190-9

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