‘ADHD does bad stuff to you’: young people's and parents' experiences and perceptions of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This paper outlines the findings of a study of young people's and parents' experiences and perspectives of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from five positions: the ‘symptoms’ of ADHD and their consequences, the process of diagnosis and treatment, interventions, a personal diagnosis, and participation and voice. It questions the value and validity of diagnosing children and young people as having ADHD and highlights the possibility that apparent short‐term benefits of treatment with medication might be outweighed by longer‐term negative psychological effects. It further argues that the voice of the young person should be considered in assessment and intervention processes where behaviour might lead to a diagnosis of ADHD. The authors assert challenging behaviour should be interpreted and addressed from a broad theoretical perspective which takes into account biological, psychological, social and cultural factors, and warn that diagnosis and treatment with medication might limit such a perspective.