A recent report from Understood.org highlights the urgent need to address the misdiagnosis of ADHD in women. The study found that women with ADHD are often overlooked and misdiagnosed with conditions like anxiety or depression.
The report, titled ‘Missed, Misread, and Misdiagnosed: Current State of Women With ADHD,’ notes that for decades, ADHD was wrongly considered a ‘boy’s disorder,’ and women were misdiagnosed with conditions like anxiety or depression.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have caused a shift, with the loss of external structures forcing many women to confront their struggles with organization and focus. As a result, the number of new ADHD diagnoses among women ages 23–49 doubled between 2020 and 2022.
Quote: ‘Women with ADHD have been overlooked for far too long. They deserve support that reflects their lived experiences, and research is an essential step toward building it.’ Attribution: Justine Bassman, Vice President of Insights and External Research at Understood.org
"Experts believe that understanding the gender-specific diagnostic gaps and weak healthcare–school coordination for children is crucial in addressing the needs of women with ADHD. Practical tactics for academics with ADHD include developing strategies to improve organization, time management, and self-regulation skills.
ADHD Misdiagnosis: Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed with conditions like anxiety or depression.
COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic has led to an increase in ADHD diagnoses among women ages 23–49.
Practical Tactics: Developing strategies to improve organization, time management, and self-regulation skills can help academics with ADHD.
In conclusion, the report highlights the need for increased awareness and understanding of ADHD in women. By addressing the gender-specific diagnostic gaps and weak healthcare–school coordination, we can work towards providing better support and resources for women with ADHD.
By understanding the gender-specific diagnostic gaps and weak healthcare–school coordination, we can work towards providing better support and resources for women with ADHD. The Learning Success All Access Program offers a free trial that includes a personalized Action Plan, which can help individuals develop strategies to improve their organization, time management, and self-regulation skills.
