Authors
Tracy Kelly, Brandon May, Cody Normitta Porter, Marek Palace
Published in
Journal of attention disorders. Pages 10870547261469625. Jul 27, 2026. Epub Jul 27, 2026.
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains underdiagnosed in women, with many receiving a diagnosis later in life. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of women who received an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, addressing a limited gap in the current literature.
Twelve women aged 45 to 58 participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Three key themes were identified: Discovering ADHD: Revealing the Hidden Struggles, Battling the Emotional Storms of ADHD, and Living with ADHD. Participants described years of misdiagnosis, internalised stigma, and emotional dysregulation, often compounded by hormonal fluctuations that impacted symptom severity and medication efficacy. Despite these challenges, many women reframed aspects of their ADHD, particularly hyperfocus, as a functional strength and described their diagnosis as profoundly validating.
The study highlights the need for improved gender-sensitive diagnostic practices, clinician awareness of ADHD symptom presentation across the female lifespan, and tailored treatment approaches that account for hormonal changes. Findings suggest that the benefit of a timely diagnosis and supportive clinical engagement can facilitate psychological adjustment and enhance the quality of life for women with ADHD. This research contributes to the growing call for more inclusive, gender-informed ADHD assessment and management strategies.
PMID:
42504726
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 27 Jul 2026.
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