Developing a Feminist Biopsychosocial Theory of ADHD;
An Autoethnographic Case Study

Purpose/Objective

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• Goal: To develop a 'Feminist Biopsychosocial Theory of ADHD' by exploring the lived experiences of women diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.
   

• Research Questions/Hypotheses: The study investigates how feminist theory can affect the biopsychosocial factors experienced by women diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.
   

• Significance: Addressing the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of ADHD in women, considering societal, psychological, and biological factors.

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Background Knowledge

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• Core Concepts: ADHD, feminist theory, biopsychosocial model, autoethnography.
   

• Preliminary Theories: The study builds on existing research about gender biases in ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
   

• Prior Research: References to various studies highlighting the misdiagnosis of ADHD in women and the lack of gender-sensitive approaches in mental health care.
   

• Terminology: DSM-5, biopsychosocial model, feminist theory, autoethnography.
   

• Essential Context: The research is timely and relevant, considering the growing awareness of mental health issues and the need for gender-sensitive healthcare practices.

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Methodology

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• Research Design & Rationale:
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  • Implications: Offers in-depth, personal insights into the lived experience of ADHD in women.
     

  • Reasoning: Chosen to provide a rich, qualitative understanding of the subjective experiences of women with ADHD.
     

• Type: Autoethnographic case study.
   

• Participants/Subjects: The researcher herself and other women with ADHD, through the analysis of blog posts.
   

• Instruments/Tools: Reflexive journal, personal artefacts, blog posts.
   

• Data Collection:
   

  • Process: Collection of personal data, reflexive writing, and analysis of blog posts.
     

  • Controls: Inclusion and exclusion criteria for the selection of relevant blog posts.
     

• Data Analysis Techniques:
   

  • Techniques: (Critical) Thematic Analysis.
     

  • Software: Atlas.ti.
     

  • Rationale: To systematically identify, analyse, and report patterns (themes) within the data, ensuring a rigorous and detailed analysis informed by critical feminist theory.

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Interested in my research? I would love to speak to fellow ADHD experts about my proposed theory's academic and clinical implications. Send an email to my usual address in the footer or for my academic email address click here. 

 

I am also available for speaking events in both a coaching and/or academic context. ​

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