The effects of psychostimulants in menstruating women with ADHD – A gender health gap in ADHD treatment?

Abstract

Introduction

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a chronic disorder that begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood. There are clinical observations of a cycle-dependent efficacy of psychostimulants in the treatment of ADHD. This relationship appears to be poorly researched.

Methods

A narrative literature review is used to provide an overview of the current state of research and to draw implications for necessary future research.

Results

Two studies examined the influence of psychostimulants on female sex hormones in women with ADHD. Another four studies suggested that ADHD symptoms worsen during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Two studies provided a specific intervention tailored to the menstrual cycle.

Discussion

Women with ADHD remain understudied and are likely to be mistreated. Investigation of the efficacy of psychostimulants in menstruating women with ADHD seems necessary and long overdue.

Conclusion

This highlights the gender health gap in our society and the need for further research to develop an understanding of behavioural and neuroscientific processes in order to adapt treatment strategies for women with ADHD.