Navigating adolescence: an epidemiological follow-up of adaptive functioning in girls with childhood ADHD symptoms and conduct disorder.

OBJECTIVE

The current study investigated the experience of girls growing up with cognitive and social disorders.

METHOD

Eight adolescent girls participated in interviews that were transcribed and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

RESULTS

Four of the girls had a history of ADHD symptoms and conduct disorder problems (ADHD/CP), four did not. Three master themes emerged within the domain of "Coping Behaviors": seeking social support, bravado, and avoidance. Three master themes emerged within the domain of "Barriers to Adaptive Functioning": lack of support and guidance, poor negotiation of interpersonal conflict, and victimization. Although all participants experienced developmental barriers, the girls with ADHD/CP coped with these barriers in a less effective way.

CONCLUSION

The study raises an important developmental concern, the seemingly ineffective coping strategies of ADHD/CP adolescents.