Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Gender Disparities in ADHD Research and Treatment for Women through ADDitude’s Women Demand Attention Initiative

As we approach Women’s Health Month, it is crucial to acknowledge the lack of research on ADHD in women. This has led to a lack of critical interventions for managing symptoms, and a significant disparity in healthcare outcomes for women with ADHD. To address this issue, ADDitude is advocating for more research on women with ADHD through their Women Demand Attention initiative.

This initiative aims to draw attention to the existing research gaps and highlight the need for more comprehensive studies that reflect the lived experiences of women with ADHD. From puberty to menopause, and from PMDD to age-related cognitive decline, the need for research on ADHD in women spans the entire lifespan. A better understanding of sex differences in ADHD is crucial for improving diagnostic and treatment outcomes for women.

To support this cause, you can download ADDitude’s free calendar, which provides actionable steps to address inequities in health research. Each day in May 2024, the calendar offers valuable insights into ADHD in women and the importance of gender equity in research. Together, we can join the chorus of medical experts, health advocates, and government agencies in calling for more research on women with ADHD.

As Julia Schechter, Ph.D., Director of the Duke Center for Girls and Women with ADHD, stated: “Research dedicated to girls and women with ADHD is not just a matter of equity but a matter of life or death for some individuals.” With this statement ringing true, it is up to us all to take action towards gender equity in health research so that all individuals have access to comprehensive care and effective treatments regardless of their gender identity or expression.