City Research Online

Abstract

Little is known about the experience of motherhood for women with ADHD. The present study explores the lived experience of being a mother with ADHD utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as the methodological framework. Semi-structured interviews were carried out remotely with eight women between the ages 25-45, all diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Three Group Experiential Themes (GETs) were identified from the data: “challenges of mothering with ADHD”, “battle for the right support” and “if only I had known sooner!”.

The findings of this study highlight a three-layered challenge for mothers with ADHD: not understanding their difficulties due to a lack of diagnosis; stigma stemming from stereotypes and dominant discourses around motherhood, gender and ADHD; and ADHD in itself. The barriers mothers with ADHD face in accessing support and the importance of accurate diagnosis are highlighted. Post-natal depression is also considered. Despite the challenges, participants were able to reframe their difficulties and develop self-compassion following diagnosis, which also positively impacted the way they parent their child, and the parent-child relationship. Clinical and systemic implications were subsequently explored, and recommendations were made for the direction of future research.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
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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