Women's ADHD associated with increased likelihood of severe premenstrual mood disorder, research reveals
New research from Queen Mary University of London has shed light on the increased risk of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) among women with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study, published under the title "Women with ADHD face higher risk of severe premenstrual mood disorder, study finds" by Cosmos, found that women with ADHD may be three to four times more likely to experience PMDD compared to those without the condition.
Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais, a senior lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, states that the findings highlight the need to consider issues affecting adult women with ADHD. Historically, ADHD has been considered a condition that mainly affects boys, leading to gaps in care and research for females. As a result, the diagnosis and management of ADHD in women have been under-explored, which may contribute to the higher prevalence and severity of PMDD in this population.
PMDD is a severe mood disorder that shares similarities with premenstrual syndrome but exhibits far more intense symptoms. These can include severe emotional distress, cognitive impairment, and physical symptoms such as pain. Depression is common in PMDD sufferers, and the condition is recognized as a serious mental health condition associated with increased risk of suicide.
The reasons for the increased risk of PMDD among women with ADHD are complex. One factor is the interaction between neurodevelopmental and hormonal factors. ADHD is associated with dopamine dysregulation, and estrogen influences dopamine availability. Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle, especially the drop in estrogen during the luteal phase, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and increase vulnerability to mood disturbances like PMDD.
Another factor is the overlapping symptoms between ADHD and PMDD. Female ADHD often presents with inattentive symptoms and emotional impulsivity that are less overt, leading to late or missed diagnoses. This underdiagnosis means hormonal impacts on ADHD symptoms are less understood and managed, possibly increasing the risk for co-occurring conditions like PMDD.
The study also found that the risk of PMDD was greatest in women with ADHD who also had a co-diagnosis of depression or anxiety. Furthermore, the risk of PMDD was even higher, over four times, among women who reported high levels of ADHD symptoms and impairment, even without a formal diagnosis.
Dr Thomas Broughton, a postdoctoral researcher involved in the study, suggests that further research is needed to improve understanding of the link between ADHD and times of hormonal change. The link between ADHD and times of hormonal change, including the menstrual cycle, needs further research to provide more targeted support and treatment for women with ADHD.
The researchers call for reducing health inequalities and diagnostic bias in women and girls with ADHD. By recognizing and treating ADHD in women, particularly to mitigate severe mood disturbances related to PMDD, they aim to improve the quality of life for women with these conditions.
[1] Agnew-Blais, J., Broughton, T., & Salkovskis, P. M. (2021). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders.
[2] Bleich, A. N., & Healey, A. E. (2018). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder in women with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Women's Health, 27(12), 1117-1126.
[3] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Retrieved from
[4] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Retrieved from
In light of the study conducted by Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais and her team, there's a significant need to investigate the connections between ADHD, mental health, health-and-wellness, and women's health, particularly in regards to the increased risk of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) among women with ADHD. The study found that women with ADHD might be three to four times more likely to experience PMDD than those without the condition, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue in female populations with ADHD.
Results from the research also indicate a higher risk of PMDD among women with ADHD who co-occur with depression or anxiety, as well as those displaying high levels of ADHD symptoms and impairment, even without a formal diagnosis. These findings stress the importance of further research on the link between ADHD and times of hormonal change, such as the menstrual cycle, to provide more targeted support and management for women with ADHD who are at risk for co-occurring conditions like PMDD.
