An ADHD diagnosis can be a map to guide a person through challenging territory – not to avoid it altogether

When a child with ADHD receives a diagnosis, they may feel relief as they finally have a name for the challenges they have faced. However, researchers have discovered that how a person perceives their ADHD diagnosis can greatly impact their life. A diagnosis can either be a helpful tool or a hindrance.

For instance, mornings might be difficult for someone with ADHD, so a structured plan and additional support can help manage their symptoms during these times. On the other hand, an ADHD diagnosis might be used as an excuse to avoid responsibilities altogether. These contrasting uses of the diagnosis can lead to vastly different outcomes in a person's life.

Psychologists who study chronic illnesses, like Type 1 diabetes, use the term "illness identity" to describe how far a diagnosis becomes integrated into a person's self-image. A study of adolescents and young adults with Type 1 diabetes found that a strong link exists between the extent to which a diagnosis shapes a person's sense of self and their overall quality of life. In fact, engulfment – when a diagnosis dominates a person's identity – was the strongest predictor of quality of life.

A survey of 154 adolescents with ADHD in Israel found that those who felt their diagnosis had consumed their self-identity had worse executive functioning, self-management, and overall quality of life. This highlights the importance of how a diagnosis is perceived and integrated into a person's self-image.

However, support is crucial in helping individuals with ADHD manage their difficulties. Providing a step-by-step approach to tasks, offering ongoing support, and avoiding unnecessary accommodations can help build skills and foster a sense of accomplishment. Contrary to the idea that removing a task from a person's responsibilities is beneficial, it can actually reinforce the belief that the task is beyond their abilities.