In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Mary University London. Her research investigates the developmental course of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the life span.

In this episode we discuss what the research states when it comes to ADHD and hormonal transitions and fluctuations, including:

• Puberty and menstruation
• PMDD
• Hormonal contraception
• Pregnancy
• Sleep
• Perimenopause and menopause

We also cover the basics:

• What is ADHD?
• How is it diagnosed?
• How does it affect women and girls differently?
• Why is there such a delay in diagnosis for girls and women?
• Medication in the menstrual cycle and pregancy

Dr Agnew-Blais current study focuses on ADHD among girls and women, and the role of times of hormonal change, including puberty, the menstrual cycle and the menopausal transition, in functioning among women with ADHD..

The books Dr Jessica Agnew referenced in this episode include:

• Lotta Skoglund's books and resources (via her website)
• https://www.borgskoglund.se/en/
• https://www.borgskoglund.se/en/literature/adhd-girls-to-women/
• Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais also recommends “Understand ADHD in Girls and Women” edited by Joanne Steer.

Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais works with www.adhdlifelab.com and people can find out about getting involved with research here: https://www.adhdlifelab.com/get-involved-1

Follow Dr Agnew-Blais, her work and affiliated organisations:

@adhdlifecourselab @bluesky @adhdlifecourselab.bsky.social

Linkedin: ADHD Lifecourse Lab