Speak Up For Your HealthArchelle Georgiou, MDHigh-Functioning but Exhausted: The Face of ADHD in Women
In short
This episode of Speak Up For Your Health features Athena Hayes, who was diagnosed with ADHD at 34. The conversation explores her journey to diagnosis, the challenges of masking symptoms, and the complexities of navigating insurance and medication costs. Athena shares her personal experiences and offers advice to others who suspect they may have ADHD, emphasizing the importance of self-understanding and open conversations about mental health.
Key takeaways
- ADHD can present differently in women, often with inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity.
- Many women with ADHD develop compensation strategies to mask their symptoms, which can be exhausting.
- Seeking an accurate diagnosis is crucial, even if it doesn't immediately lead to medication.
- Navigating insurance and medication costs can be challenging, requiring proactive communication and research.
- Talking about mental health is essential for raising awareness and reducing stigma.
Chapters
Introduction: Athena's Story
Dr. Archelle Georgiou introduces the episode, focusing on ADHD in women. She introduces Athena Hayes, her daughter, who was diagnosed with ADHD at 34, despite being successful and organized. The episode will explore how Athena masked her symptoms and the mental energy it took to stay organized.
Early Signs of ADHD
Athena discusses her childhood, noting that she didn't know she had ADHD. She struggled with reading after the fourth grade and couldn't read music, opting to play drums instead of trumpet in band.
Compensation Strategies and Effort
Athena describes the exhausting effort it takes to stay organized and manage her successful business. She relies heavily on task lists and online software to keep track of everything, and if she doesn't, tasks often don't get done.
The Path to Diagnosis
Athena discusses her history of being treated for depression and anxiety. She explains that she realized her anxiety and overwhelm might be more than just depression. She describes how her brain 'pings' in different directions and how friends jokingly suggested she had ADHD.
Seeking an Accurate Diagnosis
Athena emphasizes that she wasn't seeking medication but wanted an accurate diagnosis. She found a practitioner for a multi-appointment evaluation and was diagnosed with ADHD.
Medication Consultation and Therapy
Athena was upfront about her curiosity about medication and her past success with it. She also expressed her desire for therapy but hadn't found the right person. She wanted to discuss the risks, benefits, and side effects of medication with a psychiatrist.
Finding a Psychiatrist Independently
Athena had to independently find a psychiatrist because the place that diagnosed her ADHD didn't provide a referral for medication. She used Zocdoc to find a psychiatrist familiar with ADHD who could prescribe medication and had good reviews.
Navigating Pharmacy Drug Benefits
Athena shares her experience at the pharmacy, where she used a coupon to significantly reduce the cost of her medication. However, she later learned that using the coupon meant the amount wouldn't count towards her deductible. No one explained the insurance implications of using the coupon.
Insurance Company Misinformation
Athena called her insurance company to inquire about the high cost of the generic brand. The representative incorrectly stated that the medication wasn't FDA-approved, causing frustration and highlighting the need for accurate information.
Vivance and Current Status
Athena is doing well on Vivance, the lowest dose possible. Her anxiety is manageable, and she feels focused on her projects. She advises others to have conversations about mental health and to understand that adult-onset mental health struggles are real.
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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.