ADHD and Women’s Self-Perception: The Impacts of Being Diagnosed in Adulthood

Almeida, Leticia (2023) ADHD and Women’s Self-Perception: The Impacts of Being Diagnosed in Adulthood. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects all genders throughout the whole lifespan. However, females are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. A missed diagnosis of ADHD is associated with several negative outcomes, including low self-esteem and self-perception.

Objective: To explore women’s experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, with a focus on self-perception.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 women aged 23 – 47 who had previously been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Data obtained from interviews were analysed using the principles of thematic analysis.

Results: Upon data analysis, three overarching themes emerged: (i) the burden of being different; (ii) the diagnostic odyssey, composed of one subtheme, validating and accepting the diagnosis; (iii) benefits of the diagnosis, overarching the subthemes, standing up for myself, finding my tribe, being the help I wish I had, and there is still a lot of progress to be done.

Conclusion: Receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood can increase women’s self-compassion, foster a sense of capability, and somewhat improve self-perception and self-esteem.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Kracen, Amanda UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology R Medicine > Diseases > Disabilities > Developmental disabilities H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Gender R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2024 14:41
Last Modified:	13 Feb 2024 14:41
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/6954

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