“I Don’t Suffer from ADHD, I Suffer from Other People”: ADHD, Stigma, and Academic Life

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been proven to be stigmatized. There are substantial gaps in the literature pertaining to adulthood ADHD and stigma from the point of view of individuals with ADHD. In this qualitative, sociological research study, guided by Goffman’s work on stigma, I investigate the ways university students with ADHD respond to stigma. More specifically, I inquire whether or not individuals with ADHD respond by masking. Masking is defined as an attempt to hide or conceal undesirable traits. I conducted this study using eight semi-structured qualitative interviews and thematic analysis. Although participants did find they masked certain symptoms, stigma responses were more oriented towards self-acceptance, including making friends with other neurodivergent individuals or viewing ADHD in a positive light. Keywords: ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Adulthood ADHD, Stigma, Stigma Responses, Masking, Self-Acceptance, University Students, Disability.