A qualitative investigation of the lived experiences of adults with anxiety and related disorders and ADHD: Interconnectedness of symptoms and implications for improving care

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly prevalent in adults with anxiety and related disorders (ARDs). Quantitative research on this clinical population is mixed, with some studies suggesting that anxiety is protective against some symptoms of ADHD and others in which co-occurring ARDs and ADHD are linked to poorer clinical and psychosocial outcomes. There are also several under-researched clinical challenges, including missed or misdiagnosis and confusion around best treatment practices. Importantly, yet to be investigated are client perceptions of the relationship between ARD and ADHD symptoms, as well as the unique challenges co-occurrence raises related to assessment and treatment. OBJECTIVES: The current study utilized a descriptive phenomenological approach to qualitatively investigate the lived experiences of adults with co-occurring ARDs and ADHD. DESIGN: Sixteen (N = 16) treatment-seeking adults at a specialized outpatient ARDs clinic participated in individual semi-structured qualitative interviews and completed a survey consisting of demographic, diagnostic and treatment history questions. METHODS: Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim, and Colaizzi's seven-step approach for descriptive phenomenological thematic analysis was used to extract themes. RESULTS: Six themes were found, with the most common ones being (1) it's complicated: perceived relationship between ADHD and anxiety symptoms, (2) diagnosis experiences: validation, surprise and integration and (3) system overload and polarizing experiences with symptoms and impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides insights on the shared perceptions individuals have on the interconnectedness of their symptoms of ARDs and ADHD, and implications for improving assessment and treatment practices to better suit the needs of this clinical population.