A Narrative Enquiry into the Experiences of Women with a Late Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition with two main subtypes: hyperactivity, which is characterised by impulsivity and restlessness, and inattentiveness, with difficulties focusing and concentrating. Individuals can also have a combination of both. Research into ADHD has traditionally focussed on young males with hyperactive symptoms, and as a result, other groups have been overlooked, such as women. Although the ADHD subtypes are present in females, the symptoms are often misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed for reasons such as the pervasive stereotype that only boys have it or that the symptoms are hidden through socialisation. A lack of diagnosis can lead to various issues for the individual, for example, failing to meet their academic potential, a lack of career success, relationship problems, and drug and alcohol abuse. In addition, this can lead to struggles with depression and anxiety. The impact of undiagnosed ADHD can, therefore, have a significant effect on an individual’s life.

The body of research into women with ADHD is a limited yet growing area. As a result, there has been an increase in public awareness and a surge in women of all ages seeking a diagnosis. Further research is required to advance an understanding of the symptoms and experiences of ADHD in females to increase the likelihood of an early diagnosis and to mitigate associated issues and comorbidities.

This study recruited six women between the ages of 35 and 50 with a late diagnosis of ADHD. The data collection and analysis followed the constructivist paradigm, with a narrative methodology containing a life-story interview and a focused conversation. The participants' narratives of undiagnosed ADHD are restoried in the results section, revealing the unique complexities and multiple truths of the participants' experience. Reflexive commentary is applied to provide insights into the interpretation and positioning within the research, and reflections on the author's experiences of receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD are included to add further data.

The discussion provides answers to the research questions by applying philosophical theory to aspects of women's narratives. Bourdieu's Theory of Practice explored difficulties faced in fields such as school and the workplace. In addition, a suggestion that symptoms of ADHD override the habitus, creating problems conforming to the doxa of the field is made. Lacan's Register Theory was used to analyse the moment the women realised that they have ADHD, and for some of the participants, this was a significant event. Finally, Kristeva's concept of abjection was used to explain the participants' reconstruction of their symbolic order by removing the facets of themselves they no longer recognised due to their late diagnosis.

This project adds to the limited body of research on women with ADHD. Each participant’s experience of navigating their life without a reason for their struggles or perceived differences is unique and has not been researched before. The individual accounts and commonalities between them reinforce the importance of an early diagnosis and an increased awareness of ADHD as an underlying cause for other comorbidities and issues.