Subject areas:
Psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience.
Funding type:
Bench Fees / Research Training & Support Grant.
Stipend.
Tuition fee.
Awarding body:
London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS DTP).
Research has identified that women with ADHD are often undiagnosed, untreated and more likely to have depression and anxiety. This has led to calls to examine the role of female hormones in ADHD.
Award details
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Although originally considered a childhood condition, it is now known to impact all ages, meaning taking a lifespan approach to ADHD is critical. Whilst this is increasing, research has identified that women are often undiagnosed, untreated and more likely to have depression and anxiety. This has led to calls to examine the role of female hormones in ADHD. The most significant hormonal fluctuations in women occur during the menopause transition which can last over a decade.
There is little research into the menopause in ADHD. We recently conducted survey of women with and without ADHD and found that in all women ADHD symptoms correlated with menopausal complaints. However, we also found that women with ADHD receiving stimulant medication struggled with wellbeing and psychosocial symptoms in peri- and postmenopause.
This research is a good starting point, but it does not allow us to understand how women feel about these experiences. This project will address this using semi-structured interviews with peri and post-menopausal women with ADHD to understand their experiences and how they attribute their symptoms during this period (Study 1).
It is also important to recognise the wider healthcare context. The menopause is under-researched and under-treated with evidence suggesting GPs and registrars don’t feel equipped to advise and treat women appropriately. However, to date, no research has examined the views of psychiatrists involved in the diagnosis, treatment and review of adults with ADHD. This project will address using a mixed methods approach with a survey and interviews to understand the knowledge, attitudes and practices of psychiatrists regarding the menopause and ADHD (Study 2).
Understanding menopausal experiences is critical but it is equally important to develop support processes. Whilst hormone therapy is an effective treatment for specific symptoms, it is not indicated for all women and may interact with stimulant medications. An alternative approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is effective when delivered via group or self-help approaches but has not been examined in those with ADHD. The final part of this PhD will therefore involve a preliminary study of CBT for the menopause in women with ADHD will be conducted to better inform menopause management (Study 3).
Internship: During the PhD, the candidate will undertake a three-month placement with ADHD UK. The exact format will be determined at the start of the PhD to fit the needs of the student and partner.
The PhD will be supported throughout by a research advisory board of women with ADHD. This board will help design and interpret the studies as well as disseminate findings.
This PhD studentship is within the Department of Psychology and is offered as a 3.5 year position or a 1+3.5 years for those taking an MSc in Mental Health Studies first.
Supervisors
Professor Ellie Dommett
Professor Myra Hunter
Professor Juliet Foster
Eligibility criteria
Applicants applying to a CASE studentship must meet the ESRC eligibility guidelines in terms of residency and academic qualifications, specifically core social science research methods training that must already have been undertaken (up to +3.5 awards) or will be undertaken at Masters level (up to 1+3.5 awards). Please check these guidelines before making an application.
Applicants should have (or be expected to obtain) a bachelor’s degree with 2:1 honours (or Overseas equivalent). A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a master’s with Merit.
*International students may apply but if successful the LISS will only cover Home Fees and acceptance is dependent on independently securing funding for the difference between home and international fees.
Application process
Applicants must complete and submit an online admissions application, via the admissions portal by midnight (23:59 GMT), Wednesday 19 February 2025.
On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, please select Psychology Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time).
In your application, you will be asked to include:
- Academic Transcripts – where applicable, academic transcripts must be submitted with the online admissions application
- Details of your qualifications – you will need to attach copies
- Details of previous employment – please include your CV
- A personal statement describing your interests and why you wish to apply for this project. Please include this as an attachment rather than using the text box.
- A copy of the LISS CASE application form (see further down). This form should be downloaded and completed and then uploaded with your application
- Academic References – all admissions applications require one supporting reference. If the applicant is relying on their referees to submit a reference directly to the College after they have submitted their admissions application, then the applicant must ensure that (1) their chosen referee is made aware of the funding deadline (i.e. 7 days from application deadline) and (2) that the reference needs to be sent from an institutional email address.
A copy of the LISS CASE application form. This form should be downloaded and completed and then uploaded with your application.
You should also complete the LISS-DTP diversity monitoring form.
In the Funding section, please tick box 5 and include the following reference: (ED-MENO-LISS-25)
Please note there is no need to complete the Research Proposal section in your application as the project has already been set.
You are welcome to email Eleanor.dommett@kcl.ac.uk for more information regarding the project and studentship. If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Education support team at ioppn.pgr@kcl.ac.uk. References must be received by the deadline for the applicant to be eligible. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Application forms
CASE Application Form_2025 Entry_Eleanor Dommett (0.12 MB)
Selection process
Selection will be based on application and interview.