Cynthia Gao L&S Social Sciences
Depression Trajectories in Females With and Without ADHD
Depression affects up to 20% of individuals worldwide, with women at twice the risk compared to men. Girls with ADHD are at an even higher risk, yet how ADHD influences the development of depression over time remains unclear. Using data from the Berkeley Girls ADHD Longitudinal Study (BGALS), I will apply latent growth curve modeling to examine how depressive symptoms unfold from childhood through young adulthood in females with and without ADHD. I will also explore predictors—such as early emotional dysregulation and social difficulties—that may explain why some individuals experience more severe and persistent symptoms. This research will improve understanding of mental health risks for girls and women with ADHD and highlight potential pathways for early intervention, with the goal of informing better support and treatment strategies for vulnerable populations.
Message To Sponsor
I am deeply grateful for the generous support of my donor, who allowed me to dedicate this summer to investigating the developmental trajectories of depression in girls with ADHD using advanced longitudinal methods. This experience has not only strengthened my skills as a scholar, particularly in statistical modeling and writing for publication, but has also deepened my confidence in pursuing a research career in clinical psychology and developmental psychopathology. The SURF fellowship has affirmed my commitment to graduate study and has transformed the way I see myself: as someone capable of producing meaningful, independent scholarship with the potential to inform real-world interventions.