ADHD among a cohort of ethnic minority women.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder has focused primarily on Caucasian boys and men and resulted in limited insight about the experiences of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder among women from an ethnically diverse background. This descriptive qualitative study explored the experience of 16 women diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder who were also engaged in their academic pursuits. Three themes emerged: (i) internalized chaos, (ii) cultivation of self-understanding, and (iii) commitment to building capacity. Comorbid psychological disorders (e.g., major depression and anxiety) among women with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder were associated with increased impairment. Broader criteria that demonstrate equitable assessment and recognition of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms for both genders are requisite to promote effective interventions and recovery.
Waite
Roberta
R
Drexel University, Interdisciplinary Research Unit, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA. rlw26@drexel.edu
Tran
Mary
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013637:Tape Recording; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult