Between “normality” and diagnosis: strains between the I and the Me in undiagnosed adolescents with ADHD symptoms - Takeaways - MDSpire

Between “normality” and diagnosis: strains between the I and the Me in undiagnosed adolescents with ADHD symptoms

  • By

  • Jan Grimell

  • Lies Youcefi

  • Matilda A. Frick

  • May 25, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Undiagnosed adolescents exhibiting ADHD-like symptoms navigate a complex space between societal expectations and medical definitions.

  • 2

    In Sweden, the rise in ADHD diagnoses has marginalized adolescents who display symptoms but lack formal recognition.

  • 3

    Participants experienced double stigma: judged for behaviors not seen as legitimate symptoms and perceived unfairly when receiving support.

  • 4

    The study highlights how medical discourse influences the self-concept of adolescents positioned outside formal diagnostic boundaries.

  • 5

    Further research is needed to understand the experiences of adolescents in the diagnostic gray zone and the implications of their struggles.

Original Source(s)

Between “normality” and diagnosis: strains between the I and the Me in undiagnosed adolescents with ADHD symptoms

  • by Jan Grimell, Lies Youcefi, Matilda A. Frick

  • May 25, 2026

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