Table 1 Distribution of interviewees across different categories in the three focus areas: diagnosis, identity, and life

Diagnosis

1. The diagnosis is an explanation +

 A. for difficulties

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

19

 B. for positive traits

x

x

x

x

x

5

2. I question or have doubts about the diagnosis (-)

x

x

x

x

x

5

Identity

3. I get to know myself better through the diagnosis +/-

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

12

4. The diagnosis gives me an increased value +

 A. I value myself more highly

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

17

 B. Others don’t think as badly of me anymore

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

14

5. The diagnosis causes decreased value -

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

10

6. The diagnosis raises questions concerning who I am (-)

x

x

x

3

Life

7. The diagnosis implies help to achieve a better life +

 A. I can get help from others

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

20

 B. I can help myself

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

9

8. The diagnosis limits my possibilities -

 A. Fear of discrimination

x

x

x

x

x

x

6

 B. The diagnosis as a self-fulfilling prophecy

x

x

2

9. I did not get the follow-up and help I expected (-)

x

x

x

x

x

5

10. I wish I had been diagnosed earlier in life +

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

12

11. Being aware that ADHD is hereditary makes me see my parents and children differently +

x

x

x

x

x

5

Total number of categories

10

5

10

6

6

7

6

7

2

7

11

5

7

8

10

8

7

4

5

9

4