Women with ADHD: Advocating for Gender Equity in Health Research

Gender equity in research is crucial, especially when it comes to understanding conditions like ADHD in women. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of research on ADHD in women, which has led to a lack of critical interventions for managing symptoms. This Women’s Health Month, ADDitude is advocating for more research on women with ADHD through their Women Demand Attention initiative.

By advocating for gender equality in health research, we can ensure that women with ADHD receive the support and resources they need to manage their symptoms effectively. 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 at Duke Center for Girls and Women with ADHD said “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.”