Cultural perceptions and Stigma of ADHD: A Qualitative Study in Ireland and Turkey

This study explored the cultural perceptions of ADHD in individualist (Ireland) and collectivist (Turkey) societies, examining how these perceptions influence experiences, treatment-seeking behaviors, and support systems. The research aimed to understand how cultural narratives shape ADHD stigma, diagnosis, and perception in both contexts. Using qualitative semi-structured online interviews, data was collected from Turkish and Irish participants. The study focused on three key areas: stigma, treatment-seeking behavior, and lived experiences of individuals affected by ADHD. Interviews were conducted in English, and thematic analysis was used to identify cross-cultural patterns in ADHD perceptions.Findings indicated that in Turkey, ADHD is often framed as a behavioral or moral issue, contributing to stigma and reluctance to seek diagnosis or treatment. In contrast, ADHD in Ireland is increasingly normalised through social discourse, leading to both greater acceptance and concerns around legitimacy and self-diagnosis. Social constructionist perspectives suggest that ADHD is not solely a biological disorder, but influenced by cultural narratives that significantly impact perceptions. In this context, Turkish discourse seems to reinforce traditional stereotypes while Irish discourse appears to promote normalisation, seemingly at the expense of diagnostic validity. These findings highlighted how stigma manifests cross-culturally in different forms, the financial and systemic barriers to support in both cultures, and the need for culturally sensitive interventions and diagnostic frameworks. This research contributes to growing literature on mental health stigma within cross-cultural psychology. Limitations include potential language barriers, sample size constraints, and the researcher’s positionality. Future research should explore intersectional factors such as gender and socioeconomic status to develop a more nuanced understanding of ADHD across diverse cultural settings.Key words: ADHD, cross-cultural, mental health, stigma, qualitative psychology, thematic analysis,Turkey, Ireland