Managing conversations about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Perspectives from females living with a late diagnosis

Objectives: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) remains under-identified, under-diagnosed, and under-treated in females, possibly due to differences in the way ADHD is experienced and the ways in which healthcare professionals communicate and interact with females with ADHD. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic process and the emotional experience of living with a late diagnosis of ADHD. Methods: Semi-structured interviews of nine females, aged between 23 and 55, were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Analysis revealed four themes: earlier effects of undiagnosed ADHD; emotional toll of living with ADHD; navigating diagnostic processes and its aftermath; hope and support post-diagnosis. These encapsulated the pre-diagnosis communication difficulties and emotional toll of managing ADHD. With diagnostic criteria not always encompassing the female experience of ADHD, participants experienced difficulties initially identifying and communicating ADHD-related symptoms, alongside deficits in post diagnostic support. Conclusions: To improve outcomes and better meet the needs of females with ADHD, consideration must be given to early markers of ADHD which encompass internal experiences of symptoms and how these might be communicated to health professionals. Conversely, professionals offering ADHD specific post diagnostic support and signposting ADHD female-specific support groups could enhance wellbeing for females with ADHD.