Hi all, I’ll keep it short.
I have used the search bar but I’m finding a lot of conflicting info, and I know to avoid we-all-know-who.
Long story short I was diagnosed with a mood disorder and anxiety in my teens, and after some difficult times recently, I started seeing a therapist via Better Help. They evaluated me for ADHD and told me I would be considered “an extremely severe case of adult ADHD”. All the symptoms line up and it makes a lot of sense. I wish I knew this when I was 16. Alas.
My therapist is in the US so he can’t really help me find a physician here to get a proper diagnosis and start trying medication. I also don’t speak Japanese very well, especially when it comes to anything medical.
I’m starting to feel really overwhelmed and so I’m wondering if anyone in a similar situation has any advice on where I can go to see a Dr. who speaks English and could help me get properly diagnosed and get some meds.
I have company health insurance if that helps at all. Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some help!
4 comments
Please check out the medical resources on the [wiki!](https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/wiki/medical)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/japanlife) if you have any questions or concerns.*
hello! i also have ADHD, actually got diagnosed here in Japan. i live in Nagano tho, i can’t help much with info about Tokyo. i absolutely don’t speak Japanese lol but even here at remote Nagano i could find an amazing female psychiatrist who speaks English. she was recommended to me by my university tho.
however, a quick scan through Google maps will give you some clinics and you can access their website easily, checking if the doctor speaks English. during my mental health struggle i found several in Tokyo. i use google translate plugin on chrome to navigate Japanese websites and it works good enough.
besides there is a Japanese website where you can search for any specialists clinics etc. but i don’t remember the address now, sorry.
to be aware: in Japan there is basically only two regulated medicines for ADHD treatment. a non stimulant (atomoxetine) and a stimulant (concerta, which is an extended release stimulant). the latter can only be prescribed by certified doctors. in my case, after the final diagnosis and failed trial with non stimulant, i had to say goodbye to my dear English speaking doctor and accept my fate going to a old horrible Japanese male doctor who never look at my face and just renew my meds within 5 minutes in his messy office.
but at least I get my treatment which helped me a lot during this year taking it.
also search about government subsides in your city. if you are low in cash like me, you can apply at a health center to pay even less than you pay with health insurance. you can even get an reduction of taxes and apply for disability.
hope it helps! take care!
If you don’t mind the short trip to Yokohama, Parkside Shibata Clinic has an English speaking doctor who can diagnose ADHD and prescribe meds. No past documents required.
Kokoro Clinic in Kayabacho can help with this! You will need a letter from a family member or someone you live with to back up your symptoms. If you have any more specific questions, feel free to send me a message.