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Högstedt E, Igelström K, Korhonen L, Käcker P, Marteinsdottir I, Björk M. 'It's like it is designed to keep me stressed'-Working sustainably with ADHD or autism. Scand J Occup Ther 2023; 30:1280-1291. [PMID: 36379218 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2022.2143420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face multiple challenges in obtaining and maintaining employment. AIMS To identify and describe how adults with ADHD or ASD experienced their ability to work and what factors affected their ability to find a sustainable work situation over time. METHODS Individual in-depth interviews were performed with 20 purposively sampled participants with ADHD/ASD. Data were analysed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes were identified, describing (1) one's own cognitive abilities and challenges, (2) enablement by flexibility and acceptance in the work environment, and (3) accumulated stress that makes the work situation unsustainable over time. CONCLUSIONS Over time, a lack of continuity and predictability of support measures caused great stress and exhaustion, with severe consequences for working life and in life in general. Adaptations needed to be individually tailored and include nonoccupational factors. SIGNIFICANCE The study shows that adults with ADHD/ASD need long-term interventions that flexibly adapt to individual needs, as they vary over time. The findings suggest that occupational therapists and other health care providers, employers, employment services and other involved agencies should pay a greater deal of attention to stability and predictability over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Högstedt
- Community Care Department, The Municipality of Norrköping, Norrköping, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kajsa Igelström
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Laura Korhonen
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pia Käcker
- Disability Research Division, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ina Marteinsdottir
- Department of Medicine and Optometry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Mathilda Björk
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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2
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Ginapp CM, Greenberg NR, MacDonald-Gagnon G, Angarita GA, Bold KW, Potenza MN. "Dysregulated not deficit": A qualitative study on symptomatology of ADHD in young adults. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292721. [PMID: 37824501 PMCID: PMC10569543 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that often persists into adulthood, although data suggest that the current diagnostic criteria may not represent how the condition presents in adults. We aimed to use qualitative methods to better understand ADHD symptomatology in young adults, especially regarding attentional and emotional dysregulation. METHODS Nine focus groups involving young adults (aged 18-35 years; N = 43; 84% female; 86% US and Canada) with diagnoses of ADHD were conducted. Participants were asked about their perceptions of the current diagnostic criteria and how their symptoms have presented and changed over time. Data were analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological analysis framework. RESULTS Most participants reported that the diagnostic criteria did not accurately capture their experiences with ADHD. They reported struggling with attention dysregulation, including hyperfocusing, and emotional dysregulation, including rejection-sensitive dysphoria. Many participants believed that their changing environments and behavioral adaptations influenced how their symptoms presented into adulthood. CONCLUSION Current diagnostic criteria for ADHD may not capture the range of symptoms present in young adults. More research is needed to characterize attentional and emotional dysregulation in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie M. Ginapp
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Norman R. Greenberg
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Grace MacDonald-Gagnon
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Gustavo A. Angarita
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Krysten W. Bold
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, Connecticut, United States of America
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Ginapp CM, Greenberg NR, Macdonald-Gagnon G, Angarita GA, Bold KW, Potenza MN. The experiences of adults with ADHD in interpersonal relationships and online communities: A qualitative study. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2023; 3:100223. [PMID: 37539360 PMCID: PMC10399076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Callie M. Ginapp
- Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | | | - Grace Macdonald-Gagnon
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Gustavo A. Angarita
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park St., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Krysten W. Bold
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park St., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, 100 Great Meadow Rd, Wethersfield, CT, 06109, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, 230 S Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, One Church Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, 100 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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Tomczak MT, Ziemiański P. Autistic Employees' Technology-Based Workplace Accommodation Preferences Survey-Preliminary Findings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5773. [PMID: 37239501 PMCID: PMC10218232 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been an increase in the number of research studies focused on the design of accommodations aimed at improving the well-being and work performance of autistic employees. These accommodations took various forms; some of them were based on modification of management practices, for example, support in the area of effective communication, or involved modifications to the physical working environment aimed at limiting sensory vulnerabilities. Many of these solutions were based on digital technology. METHODS This quantitative research aimed to learn about the opinions of the autistic respondents as potential end users and their assessment of the proposed solutions within four main challenge areas: (1) effective communication; (2) time management, task prioritizing, and organization of work; (3) stress management and emotion control; and (4) sensory sensitivities. RESULTS Respondents gave the highest ratings to solutions aimed at limiting overstimulation and a flexible approach toward working time, support of a job coach, remote work, and support by allowing electronic-mediated communication based on non-direct contact. CONCLUSIONS The results can be the starting point for further research on the highest rated solutions dedicated to improving working conditions and the well-being of autistic employees and can be an inspiration for employers who plan to introduce such solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał T. Tomczak
- Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Khan MH, Grabarski MK, Ali M, Buckmaster S. Insights into Creating and Managing an Inclusive Neurodiverse Workplace for Positive Outcomes: A Multistaged Theoretical Framework. GROUP & ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/10596011221133583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurodiversity has historically been dismissed and undervalued in management and organizational studies literature. In recent times, there has been a recognition in practitioner forums about the benefits associated with neurodiversity, triggering recruitment drives to hire neurodivergent individuals. However, lack of theoretical frameworks and empirical research on workplace neurodiversity is undermining practice. We address this gap by presenting a multistage theoretical framework of managing neurodiversity premised on (a) creating a neurodiverse workplace through reconfiguring recruitment and selection; (b) fostering an inclusive workplace through careful implementation of development and engagement practices and management of perceptions of reverse discrimination; and (c) capitalizing on the benefits of an inclusive workplace, enhanced by equitable supervision, to achieve improved employee and organizational outcomes. This paper enriches the literature on managing workplace neurodiversity by offering deeper insights into barriers to employment, inclusion in the workplace, and positive outcomes of employment. Our proposed framework, derived by an integration of theories, will help managers effectively manage neurodiversity in the workplace, addressing the associated challenges. Finally, this paper lays a foundation for future research to advance knowledge on managing neurodiversity in organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Muhammad Ali
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Weber C, Krieger B, Häne E, Yarker J, McDowall A. Physical Workplace Adjustments to Support Neurodivergent Workers: A Systematic Review. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW-PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE-REVUE INTERNATIONALE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/apps.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Weber
- Institute of Facility Management, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland; and Environmental Psychology Department School of Psychology University of Surrey Guildford UK
- Department of Environmental Psychology, School of Psychology University of Surrey Guildford UK
| | - Beate Krieger
- Institute of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Science Zurich University of Applied Sciences Winterthur Switzerland
| | - Eunji Häne
- Institute of Facility Management, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland; and Environmental Psychology Department School of Psychology University of Surrey Guildford UK
| | - Joanna Yarker
- Department of Organizational Psychology Birkbeck University of London London United Kingdom
| | - Almuth McDowall
- Department of Organizational Psychology Birkbeck University of London London United Kingdom
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Grinblat N, Rosenblum S. Work participation, sensory processing and sleep quality in adults with attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Work 2022; 73:1235-1244. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-211129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although studies have indicated significant effects of attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) on work participation, the mechanism underlying work participation of adults with ADHD is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: Following the World Health Organization’s international classification of functioning, disability, and health concepts, this study compares sensory processing and sleep quality (body functions) with work participation among adults with and without ADHD and examines predictive relationships among adults with ADHD. METHODS: Sixty-nine adults with ADHD and 52 matched controls completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile, the Mini Sleep Questionnaire, and the Occupational Questionnaire. RESULTS: The ADHD group had significantly poorer body functions, sensory processing (i.e., low-registration, sensory-sensitivity, and sensation-avoiding patterns), sleep quality, and work performance compared to the control group (p < .001). For adults with ADHD, sensory sensitivity accounted for 10.9%, and sleep quality accounted for 22.0%, of the variance in their work performance. CONCLUSIONS: The deficient body functions of adults with ADHD may affect their work performance and therefore should be considered in further research, as well as in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nufar Grinblat
- Laboratory for Complex Human Activity and Participation (CHAP), Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sara Rosenblum
- Laboratory for Complex Human Activity and Participation (CHAP), Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Ginapp CM, Macdonald-Gagnon G, Angarita GA, Bold KW, Potenza MN. The lived experiences of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A rapid review of qualitative evidence. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:949321. [PMID: 36032220 PMCID: PMC9403235 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that frequently persists into adulthood, although research and diagnostic criteria are focused on how the condition presents in children. We aimed to review qualitative research on lived experiences of adults with ADHD to characterize potential ADHD symptomatology in adulthood and provide perspectives on how needs might be better met. We searched three databases for qualitative studies on ADHD. Studies (n = 35) in English that included data on the lived experiences of adults with ADHD were included. These studies covered experiences of receiving a diagnosis as an adult, symptomatology of adult ADHD, skills used to adapt to these symptoms, relationships between ADHD and substance use, patients' self-perceptions, and participants' experiences interacting with society. Many of the ADHD symptoms reported in these studies had overlap with other psychiatric conditions and may contribute to misdiagnosis and delays in diagnosis. Understanding symptomatology of ADHD in adults may inform future diagnostic criteria and guide interventions to improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie M Ginapp
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Gustavo A Angarita
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Krysten W Bold
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States.,Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, United States.,Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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9
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Nagata M, Nagata T, Inoue A, Mori K, Matsuda S. Effect Modification by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms on the Association of Psychosocial Work Environments With Psychological Distress and Work Engagement. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:166. [PMID: 30971966 PMCID: PMC6445946 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine how attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms play an interaction effect on the association between psychosocial work environments and health (psychological distress/work engagement) among workers. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 2,693 employees at a pharmaceutical company using a self-administered questionnaire evaluating ADHD symptoms (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener), psychosocial work environments (job demands, job control and social support), and health outcomes (psychological distress; K6, and work engagement; Utrecht Work Engagement Scale). Multiple regression analyses were applied to assess the interaction between ADHD symptoms and psychosocial work environments on health outcomes. Results: The prevalence of workers with ADHD symptoms was 5.9% (n = 159). Significant interaction effects of ADHD symptoms × job control and ADHD symptoms × social support were observed (β = -0.067, p < 0.01 and β = -0.052, p < 0.01, respectively) on psychological distress after adjustment of age, sex, occupation and education. The interaction effect of ADHD symptoms × each psychosocial work environment was not observed on work engagement. Conclusions: Job control and social support were more influential factors that were related to psychological distress in accordance with ADHD symptoms. This study also found no difference of the interaction between psychosocial work environments and ADHD symptoms on work engagement. To the best of our knowledge, this study was first to clarify the effect of ADHD symptoms on the association between psychosocial work environments and health outcomes (psychological distress/work engagement). These findings can aid employers how to arrange better work environments for workers with ADHD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Nagata
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.,Data Science Center for Occupational Health, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Nagata
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Akiomi Inoue
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Koji Mori
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Shinya Matsuda
- Data Science Center for Occupational Health, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
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Sanborn VE, Spitznagel MB, Crosby R, Steffen K, Mitchell J, Gunstad J. Cognitive function and quality of life in bariatric surgery candidates. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2018; 14:1396-1401. [PMID: 30049594 PMCID: PMC6165683 DOI: 10.1016/j.soard.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both poor quality of life (QoL) and cognitive impairment are common in persons with severe obesity. Work in other patient populations show that cognitive impairment is associated with poorer QoL, though this possibility has not been examined in bariatric surgery candidates. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the association between cognitive performance and QoL, both total and work related, in a sample of bariatric surgery candidates. SETTING Three sites were used for data collection, including the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute in Fargo, North Dakota, Columbia University in New York, and Cornell University in New York. METHODS Sixty participants from the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery project were assessed at preoperative baseline. RESULTS Hierarchical regression analyses showed that poorer cognitive function was independently associated with lower total QoL and that both reported and objectively measured cognitive impairment were associated with poorer work-related QoL. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that cognitive impairment may contribute to poorer total and work-related QoL in bariatric surgery candidates. Future studies should examine whether interventions to improve cognitive function can improve QoL and other outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ross Crosby
- Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, North Dakota, United States
| | - Kristine Steffen
- School of Pharmacy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States
| | - James Mitchell
- Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, North Dakota, United States
| | - John Gunstad
- Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, United States
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