--- title: Do women with ADHD benefit from a group focused on the menstrual cycle? description: Women with ADHD who attended a group program focused on the menstrual cycle said it was helpful and made them more aware of their symptoms. We do not know if url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/a-female-specific-treatment-group-for-adhd-description-of-the-programme-and-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do women with ADHD benefit from a group focused on the menstrual cycle? Interview study, 2024 # Do women with ADHD benefit from a group focused on the menstrual cycle? Women with ADHD who attended a group program focused on the menstrual cycle said it was helpful and made them more aware of their symptoms. We do not know if ADHD symptoms actually improved. Early or limited evidence 18 women aged 25-47 with ADHD and premenstrual worsening of symptoms ## What they did This was a treatment program, not a controlled study. Researchers created a 7-session group program for women with ADHD whose symptoms worsen during the premenstrual period. Women tracked their menstrual cycle and ADHD and mood symptoms with a special calendar. 18 women aged 25-47 participated in three groups. After the last group, researchers asked them to evaluate the program. ## What they found Women said the group felt safe and welcoming. All participants valued being recognized and understood. They found the topics valuable and liked the structure. Tracking their cycle increased their awareness of how their symptoms changed. Many women started taking their menstrual cycle more seriously and focused on self-care and self-acceptance. ## What it means for you A group program that focuses on how ADHD symptoms change through the menstrual cycle may be helpful for women. However, we have no measurements of whether ADHD symptoms actually improved. The women chose to attend the group, so they may have been more interested than other women with ADHD. 18 women in the program 25-47 age range 7 group sessions ## About the study Original title A Female-Specific Treatment Group for ADHD-Description of the Programme and Qualitative Analysis of First Experiences Authors de Jong M, Wynchank DSMR, Michielsen M et al. Journal Journal of clinical medicine Year 2024 Study design Interview study Participants 18 What was tested 7-session group treatment for ADHD focused on the menstrual cycle Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3390/jcm13072106](https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13072106) Original abstract Background : The diagnostics and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in women remain insufficient. Fluctuations of reproductive hormones during the premenstrual period, postpartum period, and (peri)menopause are neglected, even though they impact ADHD symptoms and associated mood disorders. Therefore, we created a female-specific treatment group for women with ADHD and premenstrual worsening of ADHD and/or mood symptoms. Methods : We describe the group programme and underlying rationale, offering a qualitative analysis of the participants' evaluation. Results : The seven bi-weekly sessions foreground the menstrual cycle and address several ADHD-specific topics in relation to this cyclical pattern. Concurrently, women track their menstrual cycle and (fluctuating) ADHD and mood symptoms with an adjusted premenstrual calendar. In total, 18 women (25-47 years) participated in three consecutive groups. We analysed the evaluation of the last group. Participants experienced the group as a safe and welcoming space. Recognition was valued by all. The topics discussed were deemed valuable, and the structure suited them well. Completing the premenstrual calendar augmented the awareness and recognition of individual cyclical symptoms. A lifespan approach increased self-understanding. Participants took their menstrual cycle more seriously, prioritising self-acceptance and self-care. Conclusions : Exploring a cyclical approach in a group setting seems to be a positive addition to treatment for female ADHD. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [ADHD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-adhd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Survey study, 2025 How do hormonal changes affect ADHD symptoms in women? Systematic review, 2026 Can digital tools help diagnose PMDD? Systematic review, 2025 Does how well women think change throughout their menstrual cycle? Randomised trial, 2024 Does estradiol prevent thinking problems before the period in women with suicidal thoughts? Cohort study, 2023 Are PMS symptoms linked to genetic factors for psychiatric disorders? Cohort study, 2023 Is PMDD a valid medical diagnosis? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗