Skip to main content
School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences
  1. School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences
  2. People
  3. Postgraduate research students
  4. Profiles

Amandine Sénéquier

Amandine

PhD Student

Email: a.m.s.senequier@qmul.ac.uk

Profile

Project Title: A life course approach to ADHD in girls and women: the role of hormones and the mediating effect of physical activity.

Summary: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that may affect attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. ADHD usually develops during childhood, often continuing into adulthood. It is estimated that 7.1% of children and adolescents present with ADHD, whilst the prevalence is 2.5-5% in adults. The exact aetiology is unknown, however neurobiological, genetic, environmental and cultural factors are all thought to be involved. 
 
Although ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys in childhood, the gender gap narrows in adulthood. Moreover, girls and women may experience different symptoms and challenges than males with ADHD. This may be due in part to the role of hormones, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms during times of hormonal changes, such as puberty and the menstrual cycle. Indeed, oestrogen levels may affect dopamine availability in the brain, and ADHD has been linked to dopamine dysfunction. 
 
Despite this, women with ADHD remain mis- or underdiagnosed and untreated, as well as underrepresented in research, thus having negative consequences on their psychological and physical health. 
 
Therefore, the overall aim of this PhD project is to gain a greater understanding of the role of hormones and the mediating effect of physical activity on ADHD symptoms and functioning in girls and women. Firstly, we will leverage data from the Millennium Cohort Study to investigate the evolving association between ADHD symptoms and physical activity during puberty and compare this association in boys and girls. Secondly, we will conduct a qualitative study to explore the experiences of young women with ADHD throughout puberty. Thirdly, as part of the Measuring Adult ADHD and Menstruation (MAAM) study, we will examine the association between the menstrual cycle and ADHD symptoms and functioning, and whether physical activity mediates this association.

Supervisor:

Research

Back to top