ADHD May Significantly Raise PMDD Risk in Women

New research suggests a strong link between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and an increased risk of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) in women, highlighting the need for increased awareness and screening. The study reveals important insights into the potential interplay of these conditions.

ADHD and PMDD: A Concerning Connection

According to recent findings published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, women with ADHD may face a higher likelihood of experiencing PMDD. The study indicates that women diagnosed with ADHD showed over three times the risk of PMDD compared to those without this neurodevelopmental condition. This emphasizes the importance of considering PMDD, especially in women with ADHD.

“Our findings emphasize the need to consider issues affecting adult women with ADHD, and more specifically how females with ADHD may be at higher risk for experiencing PMDD,”

—Jessica Agnew-Blais, PhD, Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London

The research involved participants from the Prolific online platform. The study categorized participants into subgroups, including those with ADHD and anxiety or depression, those with only ADHD, and a non-ADHD control group. The team evaluated the participants using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). According to the CDC, approximately 11% of children aged 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2023 (CDC Data).

Study Findings: Risks and Outcomes

The analysis revealed that 31.4% of women with ADHD experienced PMDD, compared to just 9.8% in the non-ADHD group. This translates to a 3.19-fold increase in the risk of PMDD. The risk further amplified in participants meeting the ASRS criteria for ADHD, showing a 4.17-fold increase. Notably, the rate of provisional PMDD was highest, at 35.1%, among those with anxiety or depression alongside ADHD.

Implications and Future Directions

The research underscores the need for additional studies to improve comprehension of the correlation between ADHD and hormonal changes, especially during the menstrual cycle. The investigators also suggested the need to mitigate health inequalities and diagnostic bias in women and girls with ADHD. These findings could lead to earlier detection and management of PMDD, leading to a better quality of life for affected women.