About Us
The ADHD Lifecourse Lab, led by Dr. Jessica Agnew-Blais, investigates how ADHD unfolds across the lifespan—from childhood through to adulthood. We explore how genetic and environmental factors shape the course of ADHD, and how different developmental pathways relate to outcomes in education, work, and wellbeing.
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A central focus of our work is understanding how ADHD presents in women and girls, a group historically underrepresented in research. By taking a lifespan and gender-informed approach, our goal is to generate evidence that can inform more inclusive, effective support for individuals with ADHD at every stage of life.
About Dr. Jessica Agnew-Blais
Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Mary University London. Her research investigates the developmental course of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the life span, including how genetic and environmental risk factors are associated with ADHD course, and functional outcomes associated with different ADHD developmental trajectories. Her current research focuses on ADHD among girls and women, and the role of hormonal fluctuations in functioning among women with ADHD. Dr. Agnew-Blais received her PhD in Psychiatric Epidemiology from the T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London. Dr. Agnew-Blais joined Queen Mary University of London in 2021.
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people of all ages. It’s typically characterised by ongoing difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity, which can impact everyday life—at school, at work, and in relationships.
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At the ADHD Lifecourse Lab, we study how ADHD develops and changes over time, with a particular focus on women and girls, who have often been underrepresented in research. By exploring ADHD across the lifespan and across genders, we aim to inform more tailored support, interventions, and policies that improve outcomes for individuals with ADHD at every stage of life.
Our Lab Ethos
Inclusivity and Diversity
Valuing varied experiences, perspectives, and identities, we foster an environment where everyone's voice is heard and respected, irrespective of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
Community Engagement
We value active engagement with the ADHD community, seeking input from individuals, families, and advocacy groups to ensure our research is respectful and responsive to their needs.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
We actively collaborate across disciplines, bringing together experts in psychology, neuroscience, education, and related fields to gain a holistic understanding of ADHD.
Translational Impact
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Dedicated to translating research into practical benefits, we strive to bridge the gap between academic findings and real-world applications for individuals with ADHD.