Despite growing recognition of Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women, Black women remain significantly underrepresented in research and clinical understanding of the disorder, often leading to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. This study explored the lived experience of Black women who remained undiagnosed with ADHD until adulthood to understand how they made meaning of their experiences and the impact of receiving a delayed diagnosis. Drawing from both Intersectionality theory and Black Feminist Thought, this research centered the voices of Black women to understand how undiagnosed ADHD impacts their experiences across multiple life domains. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), ten Black women between the ages of 31-51 who received their ADHD diagnosis as adults (between ages 29-50) participated in semi-structured interviews focusing on their experiences with undiagnosed symptoms, self-concept, and the meaning of their diagnosis. Six themes were identified: (1) Misattributing Undiagnosed Symptoms to Identity, (2) Navigating the Pressure to Meet Impossible Standards, (3) Developing Complex Strategies to Cope, (4) Overlooking ADHD Due to Cultural and Social Misconceptions, (5) Fighting to Be Heard, and (6) Grieving the Loss of Missed Opportunities. These findings reveal how race and gender influence ADHD presentation, recognition, and diagnosis, highlighting the need for culturally responsive assessment and treatment approaches. This study addresses critical gaps in counseling literature by examining the intersection of race, gender, and mental health and advocates for improved mental health literacy and earlier intervention to reduce disparities in ADHD diagnosis among Black women.
