The experience of coaching for women with a late diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

An ADHD diagnosis can be disorientating, unsettling and validating. Females are less likely to be diagnosed in childhood and, despite being recommended as part of multi-modal treatment plans, there is little research into coaching for women with adult ADHD diagnoses. This study employed a qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, and utilised a heuristic framework for data analysis. Participants found coaching beneficial in identity reconstruction post-diagnosis, particularly through psychoeducation, executive function training, and exploring the impact of undiagnosed ADHD on self-esteem. This research sheds light on women's experiences with later-life ADHD diagnosis and coaching, contributing to an understanding of the process.

Keywords

• adhd coaching
• women
• diagnosis
• adult