ADHD Symptoms Worsen With Periods, Study Reveals

A pioneering study in London is exploring the reported connection between women's menstrual cycles and the exacerbation of ADHD symptoms. The research involves 50 women with ADHD who are documenting their cycles and the impact on their daily lives and symptom severity. Participants have noted significant worsening of ADHD symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and impulsivity, correlating with hormonal changes.

This investigation is crucial as social media and increased awareness have led to a surge in demand for ADHD assessments in the UK. NHS figures show a rise in prescribed ADHD medications, yet the condition remains under-diagnosed and under-treated, with some areas closing waiting lists due to overwhelming demand. Psychiatrist Sally Cubbin suggests that fluctuations in hormones like estrogen can affect dopamine levels, intensifying ADHD symptoms.

Researchers aim to determine if there's a distinct pattern in symptom severity and medication effectiveness throughout a woman's cycle. Dr. Jessica Agnew-Blais highlights the growing importance of researching ADHD in adult women, a demographic historically overlooked in ADHD studies. The findings could also shed light on how hormonal transitions like menopause impact ADHD.