So, I’m fairly certain I have adult adhd that’s “getting worse”. I can’t focus on things. It’s causing issues with my marriage. Like, I’ll do stuff and not realize it such as buying frozen veggies, getting distracted with some cleaning I noticed that needs to be done only to forget to put them away for example. Can’t stop tearing/biting my nails, constantly changing topics in conversations to random topics that pop in my head (this really pisses off my wife) etc
I can’t even study Japanese or play video games without having to do *something* else (like putting the book down to check the weather or pausing the game because I forgot what actor played in a random movie and had to google it)
I’m not near a big city so I’ll have to find a countryside doc if I need to keep seeing a doctor for meds. I can get by with my basic Japanese and even have my wife help translate if needed I suppose.
My concerns and the reason for making a whole new thread are, the cost, the stigma, career and insurance issues.
I’ve read on Japan life that ADHD diagnosis can affect life insurance for a home owner? Like I already have a mortgage and basic insurance required by the bank where if I die, the loan gets paid off. That wouldn’t be affected right?
How is the cost of diagnoses? I don’t really have tens of thousands of yen to throw down on a doctor visit
How is the monthly cost?
Medicine cost?
I’m also terrified of taking medicine that may change my personality. Will I still be the goofy and super silly dad that my kids enjoy being around or am I gonna end up like a zombie via the South Park kids on meds (I know it’s joking about over diagnosis, but still)
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You’re a monkey living in a society where *every single* ounce of your attention and waking energy has been commodified and weaponized to sell more shit and distract you from the reality around you.
I’ve been having the same problems as you, and I definitely might have ADHD or some other executive function problem.
But I’m already anxious enough and the pseudo-speed medication for ADHD might have some other adverse affects that I’d rather not deal with.
So, I limited my caffeine intake, I’m working on reducing/quitting nicotine, and I’m trying my best to practice mindfulness.
Maybe this kind of stuff can help you too.
I’ve been through an adult ADHD diagnosis in Japan.
I had similar concerns about medication and diagnosis, but it has been a positive for my life. The diagnosis cost around 20,000-30,000 and included doing a full IQ test at a separate testing center. Medication costs me about 5000 yen every month after insurance. The most annoying thing about medication is jumping through all the hoops: You need a special registration card for stimulant medication. If your health insurance runs out they won’t prescribe it to you (can’t pay the full amount like other medication). Once I wasn’t able to fill my prescription because of that and then they didn’t want to prescribe me my regular dosage because I had had a break that was too long.
I had some similar concerns about medication. The whole “becoming a zombie” thing is somewhat overblown. Remember, you can always just stop taking medication if you don’t like the side effects.
I don’t know about the rules exactly, but I’d be surprised if getting diagnosed with ADHD wold affect your mortgage after you got it.
In day to day life there is no need to disclose that you have ADHD. Personally, I don’t tell anyone except my partner. You definitely don’t have to tell your work (though getting an ADHD diagnosis might inform your choice of career and workplace to something that fits in with your limitations).
If you are having serious issues in life (relationship trouble/possible divorce/unemployment etc) then getting an ADHD diagnosis can be an excellent first step toward fixing things up.
This is an excellent, no fluff book about adult ADHD: [https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Adult-Russell-Barkley/dp/1606233386](https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Adult-Russell-Barkley/dp/1606233386)
Beware of books and apps about procrastination, organisation systems etc. Many of them are not based on research but can be very appealing when you just want to solve your problems right now.
Good luck!
I got diagnosed for 6,000 yen in Osaka. Wasn’t the most thorough examination but was enough for me