ADHD Diagnosis in Japan .

6 comments

1. I got diagnosed in Japan with no prior diagnosis or “proof” or anything. I emailed an English speaking psychiatrist about my concerns and was given a kind of questionnaire to fill out, and on my first appointment the psychiatrist spent about 20 minutes interviewing me before prescribing Concerta. I think the most helpful thing for me was writing down a list of my symptoms and how they affect my life, since it can be hard for me to remember everything in the moment. I think an online test might help you get an idea of what you struggle with (there were a lot of things I just assumed were normal, but I later realized were actually symptoms) but I don’t think a psychiatrist would give it much credibility.

2. If you’re using the GI Bill, are you on tricare or the VA? If so, contact them for help on a diagnosis. If not, TELL is an expat-focused service. Once you get a diagnosis, you will need to go to a dr who is licensed to prescribe your adhd meds (they do concerta here). Sometimes the dr’s office dispenses it, other times they send you to a pharmacy licensed to dispense it.

3. Find the right doctor. I told a doctor I thought I had ADHD, and he laughed and told me “that’s a kids disease.” I found a smarter doctor.

   BTW, if you have access to the GI Bill, don’t you get access to on-base doctors in Japan? Don’t US bases abroad offer health care for veterans? If not, that is wrong.

   BTW2, look into ways to ‘strengthen’ your concentration. In my youth I found karate helped. Specifically, the kata, or forms, as they are like moving meditation. Tai Chi would be great for that, as it develops the mind, some flexibility, balance, and strength. (The last one may seem counter-intuitive, but moving slowly, while maintaining your balance, is harder than it looks.)

   BTW3, check out Huberman Labs. Andrew Huberman is the critical thinker’s Joe Rogan, and he give great advice on mental health that is all backed by strong research. (know horse de-worming pills pushed there.)

   Note to self: Learn how to do bulleted lists in Reddit on an iPad. 

4. I got diagnosed in Japan without any prior diagnosis, but had a hard time finding an English speaking psychiatrist, as my prior psychiatrist speaks English but being uncomfortable dong adult ADHD diagnosis in English. Your university may recommend English-speaking clinics to international students but I was out of luck. But eventually I found one and the rest was pretty straight forward, just making an appointment, answering questions and filling questionnaires. After 40 mins or so I was able to get my prescription and temporary concerta card. You will be asked A LOT about your behaviour in childhood for early ADHD symptoms. You may need to go through extra test before getting the prescription though, I was told about that but I didn’t go through them.

5. I was diagnosed in Japan. I was seeing a psychiatrist for an unrelated issue, when I told her what my symptoms and experiences were. She told me that sounds like ADHD, would you like to try some medication? I got a prescription for Strattera and now I take that along with my other meds. I think if you go to a psychiatrist and say X is happening, but don’t mention ADHD specifically, you might find that the psychiatrist is more willing to help, rather than saying I think I have ADHD, meds please.

   Best of luck, OP!

6. Sent you a DM!