Adult Diagnosis of ADHD in Women: A Mixed Methods Investigation

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this study was to examine the experiences of women diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Methods: Benefits and costs associated with obtaining the diagnosis were examined in two focus groups conducted virtually. Factors hindering and facilitating the identification, assessment, and subsequent treatment of ADHD were also explored. Focus groups were conducted virtually and together included 14 women ( Mage = 39.43, SD = 6.37) who were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Results: The majority of women described numerous benefits of receiving a diagnosis of ADHD, including validation/self-compassion, adaptive coping, and social support. Negative aspects of the diagnosis, including difficulties accessing care, the burden of care, limitations to existing evidence-based treatments, and stigma were also identified by some women. Furthermore, women described variable diagnostic experiences, with many indicating that they had not recognized their own symptoms of ADHD, as well as diagnostic complexity and other factors that masked identification of ADHD. Women described a range of diagnostic assessment procedures, as well as considerable self-advocacy to convince their providers to consider the diagnosis of ADHD. Conclusion: These lived experiences of women diagnosed with ADHD provide critical insight into improving clinical care for ADHD in women. Recommendations to increase accurate and timely identification of ADHD in women and advance efforts toward effective and equitable care are discussed.