Survey study, 2021
Are women with ADHD more likely to experience PMDD and postpartum depression?
Yes, very much so. Women with ADHD have significantly higher rates of PMDD and postpartum depression compared to the general population.
What they did
Assessment study of 209 consecutive women with ADHD (ages 18-71). Researchers used psychiatric interviews and standard questionnaires to assess PMDD, postpartum depression after first childbirth, and menopause symptoms.
What they found
PMDD and postpartum depression rates were high in women with ADHD compared to the general population. Women with PMDD symptoms used contraceptives less. Those taking antidepressants had more PMDD symptoms. Anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, and hot flashes were significantly higher in women with ADHD. Sleep characteristics and psychiatric comorbidity were similar between those with and without PMDD or postpartum depression.
What it means for you
Women with ADHD experience far more hormone-related mood problems than other women. This matters because ADHD in women is often missed and these mood problems may be blamed on other causes. However, all participants came from one ADHD clinic, so results may not apply to all women with ADHD.
209
women with ADHD assessed
18-71 years
age range of participants
First study
of PMDD in ADHD women
About the study
- Original title
- Prevalence of hormone-related mood disorder symptoms in women with ADHD
- Authors
- Dorani F, Bijlenga D, Beekman ATF et al.
- Journal
- Journal of psychiatric research
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 209
- What was tested
- None (observational)
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.005
Topics
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