Abstract
Despite notable increases in the number of women being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in recent years, the experiences of women with an adult diagnosis of ADHD are not well understood. In particular, there is a paucity of research pertaining to the Australian context. This study explored the experiences of Australian women with an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Thirty participants, aged 22–72 years, completed a video-recorded online interview. Transcripts were analysed using the consensual qualitative research methodology. Four domains emerged: (1) ADHD impacts relationships with self, others and social structures. (2) ADHD is challenging – before, during and after a diagnosis. (3) “Paradox” is a defining feature of ADHD. (4) Misconceptions about ADHD are persistent and highly consequential. Findings suggested that ADHD has a pervasive impact across all domains of life and throughout the lifespan, and women continue to experience systemic barriers, which contribute to challenges in obtaining a diagnosis and accessing appropriate post-diagnosis support. Clinical recommendations include increasing accessibility and affordability of ADHD assessments, diagnosis and support. Further research is recommended to better understand physical comorbidities of ADHD, the utility of a broader array of therapeutic approaches to enhance clinical outcomes, and ADHD experiences of other underrepresented groups.