Date of Conferral
7-2-2024
Date of Award
July 2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Benita Stiles-Smith
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with onset during childhood and often persisting into adulthood. Statistics show that more men are diagnosed with ADHD than women, and that women are more often diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type. Treatment for ADHD has not focused on non-psychopharmacology gender-based treatment recommendations, and this has been identified as requiring further research. This qualitative study explored therapists' process in making treatment recommendations for women versus men diagnosed with ADHD inattentive subtype. Social role theory was used to underpin the research. The participants of the study included ten licensed psychologists in the state of Texas who had been working with adults with ADHD for at least five years. Data was collected through semistructured interviews from participants who met the inclusion criteria to participate in this study. The results of thematic analysis indicated psychologists noticing a difference in gender presentation in adults with ADHD. However, psychologists’ process in generating treatment recommendations revealed a lack of focus on gender compared to contextual factors when providing therapeutic services. Implications for social change may support promotion of psychologists’ treatment recommendations tailored toward their clients’ gender and preferred gender identity.
Recommended Citation
Redus, Casey, "A Therapist Perspective: Gender Differences in Treatment Recommendations for Adults with ADHD, Inattentive Presentation" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16211.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16211
