1. ADHD in Women
1.1. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a clinical disorder, defined by a group of shared core symptoms: hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. (Biederman et al., 1999).
1.1.1. In girls impulsivity may show up as a tendency to interrupt others, act out on impulses, and suddenly change directions in life. (Solden, 1995; Waite, 2010).
1.1.1.1. Inattention in females include forgetfulness, daydreaming, and disorganization. (Solden, 1995; Waite, 2010).
1.2. ADHD is potentially underdiagnosed in girls.
1.2.1. Based on community sample the number of boys to girls with ADHD are presumably around 3:1. (Biederman et al., 1999).
1.2.1.1. By adulthood, the male/female gender ratio of ADHD is closer to 1:1. (Biederman et al., 1994; Kessler et al., 2006)
1.3. Girls tend to show fewer symptoms of hyperactivity but exhibit more symptoms of inattention, mood and anxiety disorders.
1.3.1. Hyperactive and interruptive behaviors often seen in boys are the symptoms that are most likely to lead to diagnosis of ADHD. (Biederman et al., 1999; Faraone, Biederman, Weber, & Russell, 1998; Hinshaw, Owens, Sami, & Fargeon, 2006)
1.3.1.1. Hyperactive behavior is commonly judged as less socially acceptable in girls than in boys.
1.3.1.1.1. Many girls with ADHD spend excessive amounts of energy trying to hide their problems, which in turn go unrecognized by others (Quinn, 2005, 2008; Waite, 2010).
1.4. Academic problems among individuals with ADHD are common.
1.4.1. Often caused by hyperactivity and inattenton.
1.5. Adolescent girls with ADHD are more likely to struggle with social, attentional, and organizational problems. (Quinn, 2005; Rucklidge & Tannock, 2001)
1.6. Late diagnosis results in depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disorders, and low self-esteem . (Hinshaw et al., 2006; Rucklidge & Kaplan, 1997; Waite, 2010)
2. Stigma of ADHD
2.1. ADHD carries a strong social stigma. The negative effects of stigma can worsen the symptoms of ADHD. (Heflinger & Hinshaw, 2010; Mueller, Fuermaier, Koerts, & Tucha, 2012).
2.1.1. Consequences of stigma include lowered quality of life, avoidance of diagnosis, treatment discontinuation, social isolation.
2.1.1.1. This results in feelings of inferiority, guilt, and low self-esteem that accompany many mental disorders. (Hinshaw & Stier, 2008; Mueller et al., 2012).
3. Study Aim
3.1. To aid an understanding of women’s experiences of ADHD with attention to stigma and gender-specific issues.
3.2. To obtain an understanding of ways in which ADHD might affect the everyday lives of adult women.
4. Limitations
4.1. Small sample-size
4.2. Participants high educational levels, occupational status contrast more distressing results from other similar studies.
5. Method
5.1. Interviews
5.1.1. Participants were recruited based on few requirements which included being female, aged 18 or older, and diagnosed with ADHD.
5.1.1.1. Five women decided to participate in an interview, each estimated to last between 1.5 and 2 hr.
5.1.2. Some of the topics discussed included: which factors and events led to diagnosis, what the most prominent symptoms are today, what challenges they result in.
5.1.2.1. The participants were asked about experiences and consequences of stigma.
5.1.2.2. The participants were asked about helpful treatment and coping strategies, personal strengths.
5.2. Location
5.2.1. All interviews took place in the United States between January and February 2013.
5.3. Data analysis
5.3.1. Five main themes
6. Results
6.1. The symptoms and events that led to the ADHD diagnosis.
6.1.1. Each participant expressed clear memories of one or more early signs of ADHD.
6.1.1.1. Some of these include Inattention, disorganization, forgetfulness, procrastination.
6.1.2. Most participants self-referred to medical professionals for an ADHD diagnosis after having heard and read about adult ADHD.
6.2. Receiving a diagnosis
6.2.1. The participants responses to being diagnosed with ADHD were mixed.
6.2.1.1. They varied from relief to hopelessness.
6.2.1.2. The diagnosis made by a professional served as a validation of struggles.
6.3. Everyday life with ADHD
6.3.1. The participants struggle significantly with indecisiveness and stress. This is the direct result of poor planning and structuring skills.
6.3.1.1. Poor time management leads to problems with making realistic plans for the day.
6.4. Motivational difficulties
6.4.1. Participants struggle with the tendency to get bored easily.
6.4.1.1. The mere thought about boring and seemingly never-ending tasks can result in negative moods.
6.4.1.1.1. This results in a tendency to avoid mundane tasks.
6.5. Conflict between ADHD symptoms and gender norms
6.5.1. Disruptive behavior and disorganization is violating norms of feminine behavior.
6.5.1.1. Women are almost expected to have an inborn ability to organize and maintain things in order
6.6. Medication
6.6.1. All of the women have been prescribed medication and most of them are still using it.
6.6.1.1. Positive effects of medication include improved focus . It is easier to process information, understand new things, and multitask
6.6.1.1.1. Negative side-effect of medication can be increased anxiety.