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Abstract

Aim: To explore the experiences of women diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, in the UK.

Background: Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, than men. Yet, there is limited research that has explored women’s experiences of navigating a late diagnosis, specifically in the UK.

Methods: Eight women who were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood were interviewed. Women were aged between 28 – 53 years and were diagnosed via the National Health Services in the UK. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the resulting data was analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were developed as a result.

Findings: ‘A childhood of undiagnosed ADHD’ revealed that participants experienced distress from a young age and reported low self-esteem. The shared narrative of being misunderstood and dismissed by professionals was uncovered, with some reporting that the ADHD diagnosis was overshadowed by another diagnosis. ‘ADHD as a possibility and seeking out a diagnosis’ captured the series of events that led to participants seeking out a diagnosis, with a running theme of self-advocacy being present. ‘Receiving an ADHD diagnosis’ highlights the mixed emotions felt by participants following the diagnosis, the process of re-framing past experiences through the lens of ADHD, and the support (or lack thereof) after receiving the diagnosis. ‘Life with an ADHD diagnosis’ highlights the impact that the diagnosis had on participants’ sense of self and identity and the interplay between the diagnosis and their other identities. Participants’ accounts also brought to light the role that stigma and social discourses had on their experience of ADHD.

Conclusion: The finding illuminated the multi-layered impact that a late diagnosis had on an individual, from their sense of self to their interpersonal relationships. Targets for future research, service and policy development, as well as clinical practice, are identified and explored.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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