Mad Studies in Education: Attendees’ Perceived Effectiveness of a Symposium on OCD and ADHD

Abstract

As the first quantitative contribution to Mad Studies, this research examined how attendees experienced an educational panel symposium (Mad Topics) on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We assessed perceptions of overall effectiveness (increased empathy and understanding of invisible disabilities) and whether perceived benefits differed based on relation to Madness (OCD/ADHD diagnoses for self, family, or acquaintance). Mad theories guided symposium development and implementation, as well as interpretation of quantitative and qualitative responses to a retrospective post-survey. Findings leave valuable implications for research in Mad Studies, a growing body of knowledge generated by anti-psychiatric survivors, social critics of the mental health system, and scholars and activists who Mad-identify. Attendees perceived the panel as overall effective, emphasizing the opportunity for community-building and sharing lived experiences in a safe place. Interestingly, perceptions differed on family relation to OCD and ADHD; caregivers of those with complex and multi-faceted mental illnesses, like OCD, may benefit from a different platform. As neurodivergent scholars and panelists, we present a unique study of an inaugural and holistic event which provided the public and practitioners with practical insights into increasing community mental health literacy and reducing disability stigmas. We provide novel implications for using quantitative methodologies in Mad Studies, as well as using human-centered Mad approaches within quantitative inquiry.