An Australian study involving 600 women diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has identified a connection between hormonal fluctuations and the intensification of ADHD symptoms across various life stages. The research highlights specific periods, including menopause, the postpartum phase, and parts of the menstrual cycle, during which a majority of participants reported worsened symptoms.
Study Overview
The study, which is scheduled for publication in the February edition of the Journal of Psychiatric Research, aimed to investigate the influence of female hormones on ADHD symptoms. Researchers stated that the study addresses a historical gap in research on this topic, surveying 600 women with ADHD regarding their experiences during different hormonal stages.
Key Findings on Symptom Changes
The study's findings indicated a consistent pattern of symptom changes linked to hormonal shifts:
- Menopause: Ninety-seven percent of participants who had undergone menopause reported a worsening of their ADHD symptoms during this period.
- Postpartum: Over 70 percent of women surveyed reported their ADHD symptoms intensified after giving birth.
- Menstrual Cycle: Eighty-eight percent of women stated their ADHD symptoms changed over their menstrual cycle, with 74 percent specifically reporting more severe symptoms during the luteal (second half) phase.
Biological Context
Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, a clinical neuropsychologist and co-author of the study, explained potential biological mechanisms. She noted that menopause is characterized by a decline in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen is understood to play a protective role for the brain against inflammation and cell death. This transitional phase during menopause may create a period of vulnerability, which could either exacerbate existing ADHD symptoms or reveal previously underlying ones.
Research Aims and Future Directions
Elyssa Osianlis, the lead author and a Monash University PhD candidate, stated that the research intends to uncover the underlying mechanisms driving these changes. The objective is to improve treatment approaches specifically for women with ADHD who experience these hormonal influences.
The next phase of this research is planned to involve brain imaging and hormone analysis. This will aim to build comprehensive cognitive profiles of women with ADHD, further investigating the relationship between hormonal levels and symptom presentation.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Kristi Griffiths, a behavioural neuroscientist at the University of Sydney, commented on the study's significance, describing it as a foundational step in understanding the role of female sex hormones on mental health across a lifetime. She noted that women with ADHD often exert additional effort for organization and motivation, and that hormonal changes introduce further challenges.
Vivian Dunstan, founder of ADHD Support Australia, who was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s, observed that the research provides validation for the experiences of women who receive later diagnoses or notice increased difficulties in midlife.