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Comment on Ask HN: Do I Have ADHD?

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Find a local psychiatrist and schedule an appointment. If there's reason to believe you may have ADHD, by the end of the session they will prescribe you one or more medications and schedule a follow-up appointment in a few weeks to evaluate feedback.

There are stimulants (amphetamine) and non-stimulant medications, which your doctor can go into detail to decide which is right for you. It's also possible you may need to try a few different meds before something "clicks", so don't be surprised if you're taking Adderall one week and Vyvanse the next. You'll likely start with low dosage like 5mg, and work your way up to 30mg as needed (which usually means taking more pills until your next script ups the dose).

If you don't have insurance, expect to pay $200-400 for your first 90-minute session (1st session runs long), and anywhere from $20-100 for the prescriptions (generics can be pretty cheap). Should also expect to have a session at least once a month to every six weeks otherwise the doctor may not renew scripts. Some are fine with sessions every other month, but they need to have regular check-ups to cover their butts since they're dealing with controlled substances.

ADHD has high comorbidity, such as with depression and bi-polar disorder, so the psychiatrist may expect a more holistic approach including working with a therapist, but it's usually "optional". Your psychiatrist and therapist can also discuss your situation directly to improve your treatment plan.

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