Health ADHD Discussions & Supporting Group Thread

[Father Jack]

I’m self-diagnosed inattentive ADHD. I know that doesn’t count for anything but I realised when my step daughter was presenting very difficult behaviours (smart cookie though) and I did some research. She’s the hyperactive version so and her diagnosis cost perhaps $3k. So that put me off formal diagnosis for myself as it’s money we don’t have lying around. That said I was shocked about how many of the inattentive boxes I ticked. Hopefully in the near future ADHD can be better diagnosed and treated by GP’s. This would produce a more productive workforce and harmonious relationships at home.

Good thread though and I look forward to reading it all!

Not only is the process expensive, it is also explicitly designed to be as difficult to negotiate as possible if you have ADHD to start with. I actually successfully navigated the system to the point where i was prescribed medication but i didn't continue with it for one reason and/or another and when i went back to the doctor to restart the medication I found out the whole thing is on a timer which was about to expire (which i was originally told wasn't the case) and I"d have to start again, right back with stumping up the cash for another diagnosis which made zero sense and had zero chance of happening. So after all that I ended up back where i started and I ended up making zero progress.

It was truly bewildering.

 

[Toump Ass]

Not only is the process expensive, it is also explicitly designed to be as difficult to negotiate as possible if you have ADHD to start with. I actually successfully navigated the system to the point where i was prescribed medication but i didn't continue with it for one reason and/or another and when i went back to the doctor to restart the medication I found out the whole thing is on a timer which was about to expire (which i was originally told wasn't the case) and I"d have to start again, right back with stumping up the cash for another diagnosis which made zero sense and had zero chance of happening. So after all that I ended up back where i started and I ended up making zero progress.

It was truly bewildering.

I didn't have to pay for a diagnosis with my last psyche, but he shithouse.
Wanted a monthly consultation.

This was prior to Vyvanse being on the PBS. So I did that maths and figured out it was cheaper just to buy Vyvanse from the dark web.

What a system!!!

 

[DemurePrincess]

It’s pretty sad in order to get a better quality of life, that money and the cost of such things as a bloody diagnosis stops us dead in our tracks. It’s not only the financial burden of being diagnosed, it’s the wait as well!

I got my daughter diagnosed and medicated and it’s made a massive improvement but I’ve thrown the idea out the window for me bc I just can’t fathom the cost of seeing a psychiatrist to have them confirm what I already know. I understand the ADHD drug can be abused by so many so I get why the process is so lengthy but surely life is hard enough without all the bullshit surrounded by just trying to find some kind of normality

 

[jb04]

Not only is the process expensive, it is also explicitly designed to be as difficult to negotiate as possible if you have ADHD to start with. I actually successfully navigated the system to the point where i was prescribed medication but i didn't continue with it for one reason and/or another and when i went back to the doctor to restart the medication I found out the whole thing is on a timer which was about to expire (which i was originally told wasn't the case) and I"d have to start again, right back with stumping up the cash for another diagnosis which made zero sense and had zero chance of happening. So after all that I ended up back where i started and I ended up making zero progress.

It was truly bewildering.

Ahh yes if you don't get your 293 done within 12 months you need to do the 291 all over again.

I'll buck the trend. It's unfair, but certain clinics in certain states are quite timely if you scrape together the upfront then claim the 291 on Medicare. I had a 5 minute appointment for a GP referral, bunch of forms to complete, 45 minute psych assessment, and another 5 minutes with the GP to schedule the ECG and bloods. Prescription over the phone. ~$600 out of pocket. Utterly stunned at how it went in hindsight.

The only delay was my ADHD ass procrastinating on scheduling the assessment.

 

[GremioPower]

her diagnosis cost perhaps $3k.

Geez… That’s expensive!
I believe my was included in the health insurance plan. (Wife takes care of this stuff.) But I live in Brazil.

 

[GremioPower]

I understand the ADHD drug can be abused by so many

“It’s heavily controlled because it’s addictive.”

Then why do we often forget to take it?

—

The Vyvanse patent has been broken (at least, over here). Now I can purchase it from other manufacturers with 25% to 30% discount. That was a relief.

During the pandemic, I could buy up to 6 boxes at a time. It was so much better. Now I need monthly prescriptions. It sucks. I forget to ask, and often I spend a week or more without the meds.