Morgan, Julia ORCID: 0000-0001-6218-7593 (2023) Exploring women’s experiences of diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood: a qualitative study. Advances in Mental Health. ISSN 1838-7357 (Print), 1837-4905 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/18387357.2023.2268756)

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Abstract

Objective
Women are more likely, than men, to be diagnosed late with ADHD but there is a paucity of research on their experiences. This paper reports on women’s lived experiences of diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood.
Methods
Fifty-two qualitative interviews were undertaken, between March 2022 and March 2023, with women aged 19-56 years. The participants were primarily university students, and were diagnosed, as an adult, with ADHD by a psychiatrist in England, United Kingdom. Interviews were undertaken online, through Microsoft Teams, lasting on average 1 hour 15 minutes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis generated six themes.
Results
Participants reported difficulties in being referred from primary care services to specialist ADHD services. Diagnosis was seen as empowering, but this was often tinged with sadness due to previous experiences which were painful and traumatic. Others struggled to cope with the diagnosis due to ‘internalised ableism’ and perceived stigma. There was minimal mental health and psychological support from professionals after diagnosis and inadequate follow-up and monitoring of medication. Participants identified numerous reasons for not having been diagnosed as a child including gender and racialised stereotypes, successful masking behaviour, lack of professional knowledge about ADHD, a perceived over-emphasis on diagnosing mental health issues, and women being invisible and not listened to.
Discussion
Increased training and awareness are needed for professionals on how ADHD presents in girls to support earlier diagnosis. Specialised ADHD psychological therapies are required, in addition to medication. Support after diagnosis including monitoring of medication needs to be strengthened.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	ADHD, women; late diagnosis; lived experiences; qualitative; mental health
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Inequalities Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2023 16:28
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/44370

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