Speak Up For Your HealthArchelle Georgiou, MDHigh-Functioning but Exhausted: The Face of ADHD in Women
In short
This podcast episode features a conversation with Athena Hayes, who was diagnosed with ADHD at age 34. Athena and her mother, Dr. Archelle Georgiou, discuss the challenges of recognizing and diagnosing ADHD in women, the mental energy required to manage symptoms, and the complexities of navigating the healthcare system and pharmacy drug benefits. Athena shares her personal journey, offering advice and encouragement to others who suspect they may have ADHD.
Key takeaways
- ADHD can present differently in women, often masked by overcompensation and high-functioning behavior.
- Understanding yourself and your symptoms is crucial, even if a formal diagnosis isn't necessary.
- It's important to ask about all treatment options and their potential trade-offs before making a decision.
- Navigating pharmacy drug benefits can be complex, so it's essential to know what you'll pay and how it affects your deductible.
- Open conversations about mental health are vital for reducing stigma and promoting well-being.
Chapters
Introduction: Athena's Story
Dr. Archelle Georgiou introduces the episode, focusing on ADHD in women, often underdiagnosed due to diagnostic criteria based on young boys. She introduces Athena Hayes, her daughter, a successful photographer diagnosed with ADHD at 34, who masked her symptoms through overcompensation.
Growing Up with Undiagnosed ADHD
Athena discusses her childhood, noting difficulties with reading after fourth grade and struggling with reading music. She highlights how she compensated by playing drums, focusing on the beat rather than reading notes.
The Effort Behind High Functioning
Despite her success, Athena reveals the mental energy required to stay organized. She uses online software to manage tasks and anxieties, emphasizing the challenges of staying focused and the anxiety that arises when tasks are left undone.
Recognizing the Need for a Diagnosis
Athena recounts her history of being treated for depression and anxiety. She describes the moment she realized her anxiety might be related to ADHD, triggered by a friend's comment and her own experiences with racing thoughts and difficulty focusing.
Seeking and Receiving a Diagnosis
Athena emphasizes her goal of getting an accurate diagnosis, not just seeking medication. She describes the thorough evaluation process and her openness to therapy and medication, highlighting the importance of finding the right therapist.
Navigating the Healthcare System
Athena shares her frustration with the lack of a medication referral from her evaluator. She describes using Zocdoc to find a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD and the importance of discussing risks, benefits, and side effects of medications.
The Pharmacy Drug Benefit Challenge
Athena recounts her experience at the pharmacy, where she was surprised by the high cost of her medication. She discusses using a coupon, which significantly reduced the price but didn't count towards her deductible, and the lack of explanation from the pharmacist about the insurance implications.
Understanding Insurance Implications
Athena explains how her previous depression medications were fully covered, but her ADHD medication was significantly more expensive. She describes calling her insurance company and receiving inaccurate information, highlighting the complexities of navigating pharmacy drug benefits.
Lessons Learned and Current Status
Athena reflects on what she would do differently, emphasizing the importance of getting names and information from healthcare providers and understanding medication options. She shares that she is doing well on a low dose of medication, experiencing less anxiety and improved focus.
Advice and Final Thoughts
Athena advises listeners to consider whether a diagnosis is worth it and to prioritize understanding themselves. She encourages open conversations about mental health and acknowledges that adult-onset mental health struggles are real, emphasizing that it's okay to need something now that you didn't in the past.
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Summary by InboxHiive. Not affiliated with Speak Up For Your Health. Written with AI from the episode audio; check the episode for exact quotes.