Women are at a high risk of having their ADHD diagnosis overlooked. Research suggests that women employ different coping strategies than men, resulting in their ADHD not being recognized, and thus they are at risk of being misdiagnosed. The purpose of the study is to examine women's experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD as adults and the potential challenges they have faced. By analyzing women's own experiences and perspectives, the study aims to illuminate how an ADHD diagnosis can impact women's identity and self image. A qualitative research method was used in the study, with data conducted through interviews with women diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The empirical data was analyzed based on the stigma theory, autistic masking, and the concept of resilience. The results of the study revealed four themes: childhood - a sense of something being off, highlighting women's earlier experiences of growing up with the feeling of being different. Everyday challenges addressed daily difficulties and difficulties in relationships. Getting to know oneself showed how women changed their approach towards themselves after the diagnosis. Making it work anyway is the last theme that presents positive aspects that have proven to be empowering factors for the women.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:sh-53643 |
| Date | January 2023 |
| Creators | Igbarumah, Benedicta, Jacobs Giertta, Camilla |
| Publisher | Södertörns högskola, Socialt arbete |
| 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 |
Page generated in 0.002 seconds