This is the abstract from my dissertation [2019] – research about “what helps in therapy for women with ADHD”. I am currently in the process of publishing this research.

An exploration of psychotherapeutic approaches used with women with a diagnosis of ADHD – from the perspective of psychotherapists working with them  

There is a growing interest in the study of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood, with a lack of research into the needs of females with ADHD. Current limited research suggests that women with ADHD experience significant psychological distress. Research also indicates the potential for psychological interventions to assist in improving the quality of life for adults with ADHD.

This research aims to capture psychotherapists’ perceptions of the psychological distress of women with ADHD, by exploring psychotherapeutic approaches used with this client group. Their perceptions, understanding, and conceptualisation of the experiences of women with ADHD offers unique insight into how ADHD impacts and affects these women’s lives and highlights issues and therapeutic strategies which support them.

A qualitative research approach was adopted, involving 10 participants each with experience of working psychotherapeutically with women who have a diagnosis of ADHD. A thematic analysis of the data identified five themes and fourteen sub-themes, that all fell under one over-arching theme: Validation.

Invalidation was identified as a strong unmet need of women with ADHD. Concepts that contribute to invalidation and negatively impact on self-identity were identified.  Psychotherapeutic interventions that promote validation in the therapeutic relationship such as genuine understanding, acceptance and respect were identified as beneficial for this client group. Adopting a balanced approach of understanding ADHD, by acknowledging both strengths and challenges associated with it, was identified as being crucial in validating a person’s lived experience of ADHD.

The findings of the research recommend that validation be a core psychotherapeutic treatment principle for women with ADHD. These findings have the potential to inform therapeutic/clinical training and practice, by increasing understanding of the psychotherapeutic needs of this client group. Further quantitative research that would facilitate larger samples, is recommended with women with ADHD, to examine in more detail issues that impact them, including impacts on self-identity.