Associations Between ADHD Symptoms and Occupational, Interpersonal, and Daily Life Impairments Among Pregnant Women
Eddy L. Jones H. Snipes D. Karjane N. Svikis D (2017). Associations Between ADHD Symptoms and Occupational, Interpersonal, and Daily Life Impairments Among Pregnant Women. Journal of Attention Disorders, 23(9), 976-984. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054716685839
- Overall rating
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(3.0) 1 review
- Authors
- Laura D. Eddy, Heather A. Jones, Daniel Snipes, Nicole Karjane, Dace Svikis
- Journal
- Journal of Attention Disorders
- First published
- 2017
- Number of citations
- 23
- Type
- Journal Article
- DOI
- 10.1177/1087054716685839
Abstract
Objective: Past research links symptoms of depression and anxiety with functional impairments among pregnant women. However, no prior research has examined the impact of ADHD symptoms among this population. The current study examines associations between ADHD symptoms and impairment in several life domains. Method: Self-report measures of ADHD symptoms, impairment, and demographic information were collected from 250 pregnant women at an urban women’s health clinic in the Southeast. Data were assessed using multivariate path analysis. Results: Inattentive symptoms were significant predictors of professional life impairment, daily life impairment, and relationship impairment. Impulsivity uniquely predicted variability in professional life impairment and relationship impairment. Hyperactivity was not a significant predictor. Conclusion: Future research should focus on the mechanisms by which inattention and impulsivity affect daily functioning in pregnant women, in addition to investigating potential interventions. Health care professionals should assess for impulsivity and inattention among pregnant women.
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I liked that the authors measured impairment across work, daily life, and relationships, rather than just listing symptoms. But then the frustrations hit. First, the sample isn’t clinical — they measured ADHD symptoms in a general group of pregnant women, not women diagnosed with ADHD. Presenting the conclusions as if they apply to ADHD is highly misleading. Second, I’m tired of seeing education and intellect used as variables. Lines like “occupational attainment when compared with what is expected given their intellectual abilities” are outdated and risk implying that ADHD is connected to lower intelligence, which it isn’t. Finally, the background language is loaded with negative clichés: adults with ADHD are described as failing at school, work, relationships, money, driving, and general life. Even if citing older studies, presenting it without context reinforces potentially harmful stereotypes and ignores strengths, coping strategies, or the impact of social and structural factors — giving a one-sided, false picture of ADHD.