Att ifrågasätta sin diagnos: En kvalitativ studie om hur personer med diagnoserna ADHD och/eller AST resonerar kring avdiagnostisering

Sammanfattning: There is an ongoing debate regarding the increasing ADHD and ASD diagnoses, suggesting both possible overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Unclear boundaries and overlap with other psychiatric conditions also pose a risk of misdiagnosis. Recently, the topic of "de-diagnosing" (avdiagnostisering) has emerged. This study aims to examine how individuals with ADHD and/or ASD reason about the de-diagnosing of these conditions. To be de-diagnosed means to have a diagnosis revoked or removed. This study is based on a qualitative method. We performed semi-structured interviews with eight individuals diagnosed with ADHD and/or ASD, who at some point have thought about de-diagnosing. In analyzing our results we applied Goffman’s theory of stigma. The analysis revealed themes related to the visibility of the diagnosis, its impact on identity, beliefs about the diagnosis, and de-diagnosing. Participants discussed their choices of disclosing the diagnosis, the effects on self-image, prejudices, and stereotypes, and reasons for considering de-diagnosing. Reasons for de-diagnosing included among other things, lack of identification with the symptoms or perceiving the diagnosis as a limitation in one’s life. The findings highlighted the complexities and individual perspectives surrounding the issue of de-diagnosing ADHD and ASD.