Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. ADDISS is a charity that, over 30 years, has been dedicated to supporting those impacted by ADHD and providing evidence-based information. A key component of our success has been the contribution of brilliant scientists and researchers who have dedicated their careers to understanding ADHD and improving the lives of those with the condition. We would like to focus on five trailblazing women who stand out for their outstanding contributions to the field of ADHD research. These include Professor Barbara Franke, Professor Katya Rubia, Professor Anita Thapar, Professor Sandra Kooij, and Professor Jonna Kuntsi. Their contributions have not only advanced our understanding of ADHD but have also inspired ADDISS in its mission to advocate for improved awareness, support, and treatment for individuals with ADHD.
Professor Barbara Franke: A Pioneer in Genetic Research
Professor Barbara Franke stands out in ADHD research, particularly for her contributions to genetics. Her work has offered critical insights into the hereditary aspects of ADHD, emphasizing the genetic factors that play a role in the disorder. As a professor of Biological Psychiatry at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, Barbara has made significant strides in uncovering the genetic factors that contribute to ADHD. Her research has helped to expand our understanding of how ADHD develops, focusing on the role of genetics, brain structure, and neurotransmitter systems.
This pioneering research has facilitated the development of more personalized treatment strategies and highlighted the significance of recognizing ADHD as a biological condition rather than solely a behavioural challenge. Her research also emphasizes the importance of early detection and individualized interventions, which align with ADDISS’s mission to improve the quality of life for those with ADHD.
Professor Katya Rubia: Trailblazing work in exploring brain function in ADHD
Professor Katya Rubia, a renowned neuroscientist, has revolutionised our understanding of the brain’s role in ADHD. As a professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at King’s College London, Katya’s work has focused on using brain imaging to explore how ADHD affects cognitive control and attention.
Her research on the brain’s executive functions, particularly in children and adolescents with ADHD, has helped to identify the neural underpinnings of the disorder. Katya’s findings have been crucial in showing how ADHD is not simply a behavioural issue but is deeply linked to differences in brain activity. This insight has been pivotal in both refining diagnostic criteria and developing more effective treatment strategies. Her contributions to ADHD research have been a source of inspiration for both scientists and individuals impacted by the condition, directly influencing the work done by ADDISS in raising awareness and providing resources.
Professor Anita Thapar: Leading the Way in ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Professor Anita Thapar is a prominent psychiatrist and researcher whose work has significantly contributed to the understanding of ADHD across various populations. A professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Cardiff University, Anita has been involved in extensive research on the genetic and environmental factors influencing ADHD.
One of Anita’s most notable achievements is her research on the heritability of ADHD, which has shown that genetics plays a significant role in the development of the disorder. At the same time, she has been particularly influential in studying the impact of environmental factors on the development of ADHD, including the role of prenatal exposure to substances and early childhood experiences. Her comprehensive approach to ADHD has helped to highlight the multifaceted nature of the disorder, reinforcing the idea that both genetic and environmental factors play a crucial role.
Through her advocacy for holistic approaches to ADHD treatment, she has inspired ADDISS to promote awareness of the diverse factors influencing ADHD and the need for tailored interventions.
Professor Sandra Kooij: Championing ADHD Awareness and Adult ADHD
Professor Sandra Kooij is a leading advocate for the recognition and treatment of adult ADHD. As a professor of psychiatry at the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, Sandra’s research has focused on the presentation and treatment of ADHD in adults. She has been instrumental in the development of guidelines for effective treatment of adult ADHD. In 2007, Sandra and her team developed the DIVA, a semi-structured diagnostic interview which is now used and respected worldwide. For women and girls with ADHD, Sandra is an icon. Her research into the role hormones play in women with ADHD has shaped the way we treat and adjust medication in relation to levels of hormones, both pre- and post-menopause. Especially significant is the impact hormones have on teenagers with ADHD who struggle with PMS.
Sandra’s advocacy for adult ADHD patients and her clinical expertise have greatly influenced ADDISS’s work in promoting ADHD awareness across all age groups and especially amongst women and girls.
Professor Jonna Kuntsi: Advancing ADHD Research Across Lifespan
Professor Jonna Kuntsi, Professor of Developmental Disorders & Neuropsychiatry, is a leading researcher at King’s College London who has made significant contributions to ADHD research, with a particular focus on how ADHD affects individuals across the lifespan.
Her work has explored the genetic, environmental, and developmental factors influencing ADHD, and the role of cognitive processes in both children and adults with the condition. Jonna has worked on large-scale cohort studies to investigate the impact of ADHD on life outcomes. Her research has helped to shape current approaches to ADHD intervention and has provided valuable insights into how ADHD symptoms evolve over time. Jonna’s current research uses remote measurement technology – wearables and smartphones – to collect continuous real-world data in both adolescents and adults with ADHD, over long remote monitoring periods. She leads an excellent team of young researchers exploring a wide range of core questions that range from real-world effects of ADHD treatment and physical activity, to what predicts different outcomes. Jonna’s work aligns closely with the mission of ADDISS, as her research not only aims to improve treatment options but also strives to reduce stigma and improve societal understanding of ADHD.
Conclusion
These five incredible women – Professors Barbara Franke, Katya Rubia, Anita Thapar, Sandra Kooij, and Jonna Kuntsi – have played a pivotal role in advancing ADHD research, diagnosis, treatment, and awareness. Through their groundbreaking research and advocacy, they have helped transform ADHD from a misunderstood and under-researched condition into a well-recognized disorder with a growing body of scientific knowledge and clinical expertise. Their dedication to improving the lives of individuals with ADHD is a constant source of inspiration to ADDISS, which continues to support those affected by the disorder. These women have not only shaped the field of ADHD research but have also paved the way for a brighter, more informed future for those living with ADHD.
Article was provided by Andrea Bilbow OBE