Conference presentation
Not deficient, just different: exploring women’s adjustment to adult diagnosed ADHD within online forums
Australasian Society for Behavioural Health and Medicine (ASBHM 2026) (Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, 11/02/2026–13/02/2026)
11/02/2026
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Abstract
Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with impaired social functioning and poor self-esteem. Despite recent increases in ADHD diagnoses, research shows that women remain consistently underdiagnosed, often not discovering they have ADHD until adulthood. A diagnosis later in life exacerbates impairments, delays access to treatment, and is followed by a period of adjustment. This study explored how women expressed and characterised that adjustment period following a late diagnosis within an ADHD specific online forum.
Method: Informed by a stage theory of adjustment to ADHD, deductive template analysis identified 20 online forum threads, within which reflexive thematic analysis inductively examined 795 individual posts. The Psychosocial Adaptation to Chronic Illness and Disability (PACID) model also guided thematic interpretation.
Results: Three primary themes were identified: Expressions of Community and Safety, Revising the Past and Rewriting the Self. The findings emphasised the importance of personal accounts and highlighted a need for increased recognition and understanding of the different presentations of ADHD, drawing attention to the long-lasting impacts of a delayed diagnosis.
Conclusion: This study presents an opportunity to further investigate ADHD and other similar disorders through the application of PACID and the lens of redefining disability. Health professionals are also encouraged to recognise the importance of online forums to facilitate communication about women’s ADHD experiences with diagnosis and adjustment.
Details
- Title
- Not deficient, just different: exploring women’s adjustment to adult diagnosed ADHD within online forums
- Creators
- Ella Pitman - Southern Cross UniversitySally Sargeant - Southern Cross University
- Conference
- Australasian Society for Behavioural Health and Medicine (ASBHM 2026) (Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, 11/02/2026–13/02/2026)
- Identifiers
- 991013353073502368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference presentation