E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N
With a recent wave of studies on ADHD in women , many are only now receiving diagnoses , having grown up unaware of how their minds work . This lack of awareness has led to lifelong struggles in education , social interactions and relationships . I asked experts for their insights on how technology can streamline access to diagnoses and treatment , reducing these delays for women with ADHD .
Dr Ross Harper , PhD and CEO of Limbic , said : “ Conditions like ADHD and autism , in particular , are known to present differently in women , which leads to under-recognition and misdiagnosis . For example , ADHD in women may manifest as inattentiveness rather than hyperactivity – symptoms more commonly associated with men . Unfortunately , much of modern medicine is based on symptom presentation in men , which leaves many women suffering without the appropriate care they need . This is deeply unfair and calls for change .
“ Technology can play a crucial role in driving that change . AI and digital tools have the capacity to analyse nuanced patterns in symptoms that are often overlooked , enabling earlier interventions and more accurate diagnoses . It ’ s time to leverage these advancements to close the gap and provide women with the mental healthcare they deserve . Fortunately , there are several startups , many founded by passionate women , working to address these issues head-on .”
One solution in the US by VAULT Technologies impossible choice between mental health care and essential needs like housing or food .
In response , public health innovator
Tiffany Tate has introduced a promising solution . During the COVID-19 pandemic , Tate developed the PrepModEcosystem – a system of modular software programs tailored to streamline public health tasks – which became a leading tool in coordinating vaccine appointments across 44 states . Her company , VAULT Technologies , is now adapting this technology to address mental health accessibility by connecting low-income patients with providers who accept insurance or flexible payment options .
Three months ago , I received a letter apologising for the delay in addressing my ADHD diagnosis , with a three-year wait and an expectancy of an extra year ( a goal post that keeps moving further ). In the meantime , I am rediscovering myself and relearning everything about my psychology – without access to NHS counselling or prescription medication . I am one of many women in the UK navigating delayed diagnoses .
According to SAMHSA , ‘ service cost or lack of insurance coverage was the most frequently cited reason for not using mental health services across all racial / ethnic groups .’ Unfortunately , this challenge has intensified as some mental health providers , frustrated by insurance reimbursement issues , now require patients to pay upfront and then seek repayment from their insurance companies . With therapy sessions costing an average of US $ 120 per hour , low-income families face an
With VAULT ’ s new mental health application , low-income patients can be matched with mental health providers who offer alternative payment options , bypassing the upfront payment barrier .
By using this innovative technology , Tate ’ s goal is to improve health equity in mental health services , making essential care more accessible to marginalised communities facing financial barriers .
HOW CAN TECHNOLOGY HELP INSTITUTIONS KEEP UP WITH THE RECENT UPRISE OF MENTALDISORDERS AND LATE DIAGNOSES WITHINWOMEN ’ S MENTAL HEALTH ?
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