The good, bad and ugly of untreated childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder through their voices as adults.

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide, affecting an estimated 5-7% of children and adolescents. Despite its prevalence, many children with ADHD go undiagnosed, with approximately 30-50% not receiving a formal diagnosis. This study examines the life experiences of adults who lived with untreated ADHD during childhood, exploring these experiences through their own perspectives. Participants were recruited via LinkedIn using a self-selection sampling method, and data was collected through qualitative approaches. The study was grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model. Analysis revealed three key themes: adults with untreated ADHD are acutely aware of their cognitive differences, believe that early intervention could have significantly improved their outcomes, and face an increased risk of substance abuse.