Objective: To describe perception, attitude to treatment, and resilience in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] attending medical treatment at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty-six ADHD patients aged 20 years and older were identified by retrospective medical record review. The systematic random sampling for in-depth interview was performed. Subsequently, telephone interview performed by two interviewers, one psychiatrist and one clinical psychologist. Nine subjects were available for in-depth interview.

Results: The diagnosis of ADHD caused wide range of psychological reactions, from feeling relief to mixed feeling that was unable to explain. Difficulties in academic performance and emotional control were commonly recognized by adult ADHD patients. History of suicidal idea and sleep problems were found in 44% of the subjects. Regarding resilience, families and friends were described as the most important factors contributing to patients’ coping with ADHD. Interestingly, 67% of subjects were able to find some benefits of having ADHD, such as being full of energy and creativity.

Conclusion: Although the diagnosis of ADHD caused variety of psychological reactions at the beginning, most patients developed coping strategies and were able to find some benefits of having ADHD.

Keywords: ADHD, Adult, Perception, Attitude, Resilience