Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Clinical Considerations for Women

Abstract

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. Women with ADHD represent a particularly vulnerable group, given their increased risk for psychosocial and parenting difficulties. Women's health care clinicians should expect to encounter women with diagnosed and undiagnosed ADHD that may or may not be treated. Pharmacologic intervention, namely, prescription stimulants, is an important consideration for pregnant and breastfeeding women with ADHD, especially because the US Food and Drug Administration has determined that there is not enough information to confirm either harm or lack of harm to the developing fetus following exposure to these drugs. Due to the increase in use of prescription stimulants without a prescription, clinicians are also likely to encounter women misusing stimulants for a variety of reasons. This article provides an overview of ADHD diagnosis, outlines effective treatment options, and offers insight into the importance for clinicians to consider prescription stimulant misuse. Guidance concerning treatment of ADHD during pregnancy and lactation is reviewed.

Pregnancy and Parenthood Among Autistic Adults: Implications for Advancing Maternal Health and Parental Well-Being

“…For example, ADHD traits are linked with a range of adverse physical and behavioral health outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth, including unplanned and early pregnancy. [42][43][44][45][46][47][48] Adult ADHD traits also predict parenting across multiple domains, such as more harsh and lax parenting and lower levels of positive parenting. 49,50 Maternal depression and anxiety also predict adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes, as well as parenting behavior.…”

Prescription Stimulant Misuse Among Nursing Students

“…Indeed, Weyandt et al (2018) conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study and found no evidence of cognitive enhancement in healthy college students taking 30 mg of Adderall compared with placebo and, contrary to expectations, found evidence of short-term memory impairment . Additional reasons reported by college students for misusing prescription stimulants include weight loss, curiosity, getting high, and/or to counteract the effects of alcohol ( Blevins et al, 2017 ; Compton et al, 2018 ; Marraccini et al, 2017 ; Thornton et al, 2020 ). Psychological findings support that students who report higher rates of attention difficulties, internal restlessness, alcohol and illicit substance use, risky behaviors, and problems with time management and executive functions report higher rates of prescription stimulant misuse (e.g., Holt & McCarthy, 2020 ; Moore et al, 2014 ; Munro et al, 2017 ; Novak et al, 2007 ).…”