Understanding ADHD-related stigma: A gender analysis of young adult and key stakeholder perspectives

Few studies have qualitatively explored the beliefs, attitudes and behaviours underlying stigma related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from the perspective of various key stakeholders, with limited attention to gender. This study explores key perspectives and experiences of young adults with ADHD on ADHD-related stigma across the lifespan. It includes additional insights from key stakeholders to elucidate these themes and examines gendered differences in descriptions provided by young adult men and women with ADHD. Seven focus group discussions engaged 24 respondents, including 14 young adults with ADHD, three parents of seven children with ADHD, four mental health professionals and three primary school teachers. Thematic content analysis revealed overarching themes encompassing overt and subtle stereotypes and prejudice: (a) rejection of ADHD; (b) ADHD as a deficit, with subthemes of blame and negative characteristics; and (c) misconceptions, with subthemes of stereotyping and trivialising ADHD. Discriminatory behaviours and individual impacts encompassed a lack of understanding and appropriate support, facilitating negative self-concept. Gendered nuances appeared in theme descriptions. Young adult women reported scepticism, delayed diagnosis, altered identity development, masking and loneliness, whereas young adult men reported rejection, internalised negative attributions, nondisclosure and limited help-seeking behaviours. Our study contributes a new perspective to the qualitative ADHD-related stigma literature by suggesting gendered patterns as a reinforcing cycle.