Background: ADHD and autism are two of the most common disabilities in the neuropsychiatric spectra. The symptoms of ADHD and autism are different based on gender and women belong to a risk group that have an increased risk of getting misdiagnosed. The consequences of a missed or delayed diagnosis causes suffering for both the individual and society. Aim: To explore women’s experiences of getting diagnosed with ADHD or autism as adults. Method: Literature study with a systematic approach. Based on the Tidal model, a qualitative content analysis with a deductive approach according to Elo and Kyngäs has been used. Results: The results are presented using three predetermined main categories, whilst the subcategories are based on an inductive approach. The results showed that the women’s experiences of receiving a diagnosis in adulthood mostly included positive feelings such as feeling of belonging, acceptance and increased self-esteem. However negative feelings such as doubt about the identity, stigmatization and mistrust towards the healthcare system emerged. Conclusion: A diagnosis in adulthood causes mixed feelings and a need for support from the healthcare system. Lack of support leads to worsening of the mental health.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:rkh-4862 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Khorshidi, Nina, Säterhof, Linda |
| Publisher | Röda Korsets Högskola |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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