The study is significant as ADHD is increasingly recognized as a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition rather than a childhood-only disorder. Understanding how adults with ADHD experience daily life is essential for improving mental health services, workplace inclusion, and public policy.
ADHD and Quality of Life in Adulthood
Quality of life is widely used as an indicator of overall well-being, encompassing physical health, psychological stability, social relationships, and environmental conditions. For adults with ADHD, these dimensions are often affected by difficulties in attention regulation, emotional control, time management, and executive functioning.
Globally, adult ADHD affects approximately 2.5–4.4 percent of the population. Many individuals continue to experience symptoms into adulthood, often accompanied by anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or substance use. Previous international studies have consistently shown that adults with ADHD tend to report lower quality of life compared to those without the condition.
Against this global context, data from Indonesia on adult ADHD remain limited. The study conducted by researchers from the University of North Sumatra helps fill this gap by providing a descriptive overview of how Indonesian adults with ADHD perceive their quality of life.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research used a descriptive quantitative design involving 120 adults aged 20 years and older who had received a clinical diagnosis of ADHD from a psychiatrist or psychologist. Participants were recruited through ADHD-related communities and social media platforms, reflecting the growing role of online networks in mental health support.
Quality of life was measured using the Quality-of-Life Inventory (QOLI), a well-established instrument that evaluates satisfaction and importance across 16 life domains, including health, work, relationships, leisure, creativity, and spirituality. The Indonesian-adapted version of the QOLI has strong reliability, ensuring that participants’ responses accurately reflected their lived experiences.
Who Took Part in the Study?
The participants came from diverse educational and occupational backgrounds:
- 61.7% were aged 20–29 years
- 74.2% were women
- 55% held a bachelor’s degree
- 39.2% worked in the private sector
- 18.3% were university students
Most respondents were in their productive adult years, with relatively high educational attainment and active participation in the workforce or higher education.
Key Findings: A Moderate but Stable Quality of Life
The results show that:
- 67.5% of respondents reported a moderate quality of life
- 15% experienced a high quality of life
- 12.5% fell into the low quality of life category
- Only 2.5% were classified as very low or very high
These findings indicate that while adults with ADHD face ongoing challenges, the majority are able to maintain a balanced level of well-being rather than experiencing severe life dissatisfaction.
Why Many Adults with ADHD Cope Better Than Expected
According to the researchers, quality of life in adults with ADHD is shaped by a balance between risk factors and protective factors. ADHD-related vulnerabilities, such as executive dysfunction and emotional regulation difficulties, can negatively affect work performance and social relationships. However, these risks can be offset by supportive conditions.
Ethically paraphrased from Chairunnisa Pratiwi and colleagues at the University of North Sumatra, adults with ADHD who have access to education, stable employment, community support, and appropriate treatment are more likely to adapt effectively to daily demands. Many participants in the study were involved in ADHD communities, which provide emotional validation, shared coping strategies, and reduced self-stigma.
Access to mental health services, including medication and psychological therapy, also played a crucial role. Comprehensive ADHD management helps individuals manage symptoms, improve functioning, and maintain meaningful social and occupational roles.
Implications for Mental Health Policy and Practice
The findings underscore the importance of moving beyond symptom reduction when addressing adult ADHD. Quality of life should be a central outcome in mental health services, workplace accommodations, and public policy.
For mental health practitioners, the study emphasizes the need for holistic interventions that include:
- Psychological therapy focused on coping and emotional regulation
- Social support and peer community involvement
- Workplace adaptations that recognize neurodiversity
For policymakers, the research highlights the importance of accessible mental health care and inclusive work environments that allow adults with ADHD to thrive rather than merely cope.
A Shift Toward a Holistic Perspective
The study reinforces a growing consensus in global mental health research: adult ADHD should be understood within a broader psychosocial context. Improving quality of life requires integrated medical, psychological, and social interventions that recognize individual strengths alongside challenges.
As ADHD awareness continues to grow in Indonesia, this research provides evidence that with the right support systems, adults with ADHD can lead stable and meaningful lives.
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