Exploring Women's Experiences of ADHD, Medication and Motherhood

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore women’s experiences of ADHD, medication, and motherhood in Alberta, Canada. There is a lack of research that accounts for women’s decision-making processes related to continuing or discontinuing ADHD medication leading up to and during pregnancy. Methods: This qualitative study was guided by feminist disability theory. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who were 1) diagnosed with ADHD, 2) mothers or were thinking about becoming mothers, 3) had personal experiences with ADHD medications, 4) 18+ years old, and 5) were English-speaking. The development of the research questions, recruitment strategies, and approach to data collection and analysis were informed by the values of feminist methodology. Results: Three themes and one sub-theme were identified from the interviews: 1) Benefits of diagnosis 2) Feeling unsupported by healthcare providers 3) I am not enough a. Impairment and disablism reduced confidence about being a mother Conclusion: This research demonstrated that ADHD is a gendered experience that is influenced by various factors. There is a great deal of uncertainty and complexity in the decision-making processes surrounding ADHD medication and pregnancy that require careful attention and care from healthcare providers. There is a need to prioritize care and research for disabled women, especially when it comes to managing ADHD with or without the use of medication leading up to and during pregnancy.