Diskuze v psychologii 2022, 4(2):44-51 | DOI: 10.5507/dvp.2023.004

Life with ADHD: Interpretative phenomenological analysis - case study

Karin Černickaja, Lenka Sokolová

Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) gives us an insight into the experiences of individuals and brings us closer to what it is like to be and live with, for example, a specific disorder such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder - ADHD. ADHD is not typical only for childhood, some symptoms are persistent and manifest themselves also in adulthood. The presence of ADHD may affect how an individual experiences the moments of their life. This paper allows us to read the life book of one person through the IPA and life story interview. The chapters of this book contain not only a list of ADHD symptoms, but also the participant´s experiences and interpretations, their impact on several areas of his life, or various effective or less effective coping strategies for this disorder. For example, through the metaphor of a "steam pot" offered by our participant, we have an opportunity to understand the real experiences of a person who compares their inner self to boiling water. When this water builds up an unbearable pressure, it explodes.

Keywords: ADHD; attention deficit disorder; interpretive phenomenological analysis; case study; experience; phenomenology

Received: February 16, 2023; Revised: February 16, 2023; Accepted: April 19, 2023; Published: November 22, 2023  Show citation

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Černickaja K, Sokolová L. Life with ADHD: Interpretative phenomenological analysis - case study. Diskuze v psychologii. 2022;4(2):44-51. doi: 10.5507/dvp.2023.004.
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