Background: ADHD is being discussed more than ever before, and its validity is frequentlychallenged in the public debate. Existing research reveals a gap in understanding how the skepticportrayal of ADHD can have an impact on individuals with an ADHD diagnosis. This study aims toexplore the influence of interpersonal relationships and societal discussion on the self-image ofindividuals living with ADHD.Theoretical framework: The study is centered upon both psychological and sociological theories.The social-psychological view is presented by Henri Tajfel, Marilynn Brewer & Wendi Gardner.Whereas the sociological theories are presented by Anthony Giddens, Ove Kaj Pedersen, AndersPetersen, and Ulrich Beck.Method: 1:1qualitiative interviews with three young participants diagnosed with ADHD. The datawas analyzed based on the principles of thematic analysis, defined by Braun and Clark (2006). Thestudy used Vivien Burrs’ definition of social constructionism as an ontological position.Results: The self-image of young people diagnosed with ADHD is not directly influenced by thenegative public debate. It can have an indirect negative impact on the individual diagnosed withADHD if individuals in close relation to them have gained a negative impression through societaldebate and question the diagnosis, thereby posing a threat to the self-image of the individual withADHD. For the participants in this study, receiving an ADHD diagnosis has been positive, as it hasprovided an opportunity for a deeper understanding of their own challenges, how to manage them,and validation that the difficulties they experienced were real.Conclusions: The study’ findings help understanding how receiving an ADHD diagnosis has apositive impact on individuals who have experienced difficulties due to ADHD.Despite the societal debate, it is evident that the challenges the individual faced prior to diagnosishad such impact that the diagnosis became a powerful tool in managing these. External opinions,including the societal debate, are not as important for the individual as long as they do not hinderthem from taking control of the challenges posed by ADHD. During the process it lowers thenegative thoughts caused by the ADHD symptoms and therefore brings down the prominent andcentral role it had in their self-image. Therefore, as a society, it is worth reflecting on whether theongoing debate is sufficiently nuanced to provide a comprehensive understanding of what it is liketo be an individual diagnosed with ADHD in a world that debates their disability and furthermoreextensively questions its existence.