Researchers in Sweden interviewed 20 working adults who had a diagnosis of ADHD. The group was recruited through a patient interest group. Their average age was about 42 years (mean 41.9, SD 8.61), and most were women (15 of 20, or 75%). They had a range of education and an average of 17 years of work experience.
The researchers looked closely at what people said and sorted it into three main themes and eight smaller categories. The themes covered working and living with ADHD, needs, and special abilities.
People described specific challenges tied to their symptoms and to certain situations. These included trouble managing emotions and being very sensitive in social settings. They also described hard outcomes such as anxiety, stress, and exhaustion. Many said their workplace lacked clear structure, and that support from managers was inconsistent, so arranging accommodations was often left to the employee. People also spoke about the hard choice of whether to tell others about their diagnosis. At the same time, they named strengths they felt ADHD gave them, such as creativity, quick thinking, and hyperfocus.
The study reported no numbers on effect. It described experiences, not outcomes that were measured or counted.
Source: Oscarsson M, Nelson M, Rozental A, et al.. Stress and work-related mental illness among working adults with ADHD: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry (2022). doi:10.1186/s12888-022-04409-w