How adults with ADHD get engaged in and perform everyday activities

Scand J Occup Ther. 2013 Jul;20(4):282-91. doi: 10.3109/11038128.2013.799226. Epub 2013 May 29.

Abstract

Objective: An increasing number of adults with ADHD face problems with everyday activities, and occupational therapists play an important role regarding interventions for this particular group. However, there is a knowledge gap within occupational therapy regarding how adults with ADHD experience engagement in everyday activities. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of engagement in, and describe how adults with ADHD performed everyday activities.

Methods: Twelve people with ADHD between the ages of 21 and 38 were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed based on a qualitative content analysis.

Results: The results showed how engagement in and performance of everyday activities depended on inspiration, facilitating support, and feelings of togetherness with other people.

Conclusions: These results show how adults with ADHD can find strategies to become more independent in their performance of everyday activities. Furthermore, this study suggests how occupational therapists can increase opportunities for adults with ADHD to engage in different activities, make choices, and find meaning in everyday activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology*
  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / rehabilitation*
  • Employment / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Occupational Therapy / methods*
  • Sweden
  • Task Performance and Analysis