Flying under the radar: a qualitative examination of self-diagnosed ADHD and identity formation in young women

Abstract Background In recent years, the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses has increased sharply, in many western countries, including Sweden, especially among women and adults. Concurrently, more people seem to identify with ADHD without having a formal diagnosis, a phenomenon that has been highlighted in the media but not examined thoroughly in research. As women with ADHD are diagnosed later in life compared to men, self-diagnosis in young women may be an important piece of puzzle to understand diagnostic processes and identification. The aim of the current study was to improve the understanding of the motives and processes underlying self-diagnosed ADHD in young women, with a special focus on identity formation. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2025 with 15 women aged 18–25 years with self-diagnosed ADHD and self-rated ADHD-symptom levels above the cut-off for probable diagnosis. The sample was recruited via Meta and the interviews were analyzed using thematic inductive method. Results The analysis generated six themes. Three themes related to how young women describe their self-diagnosed ADHD; recognition in ADHD symptoms , experience of invisibility and a lonely struggle , and ambivalence towards assessment and diagnosis. An additional three themes to how they articulate their self-perception; managing demands and expectations , difficulties related to social roles and relationships , and feeling different and seeking acceptance. Conclusions Self-diagnosis played an important role in identity development by validating difficult experiences for young women with ADHD-like symptoms. Strives to live up to being a “good girl”, including high academic achievement, disguised their experienced difficulties and gendered norms may contribute to self-diagnosis and medicalization. Their invisible struggles had a negative impact on self-image, and they experienced being left to fend for themselves in dealing with the demands of society.