this post was submitted on 13 Dec 2023
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ADHD

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A little into about me. I'm in my mid-forties, I live in Ohio, USA, and am on Medicaid. I suspect I have either ADD or ADHD but I can't get diagnostic testing covered by Medicaid. What can I do to get testing or treatment? There are lots of "in-network" providers, but every time I get the focus to try and make an appointment no one answers their phones, or they're not taking new patients, or they're not in network after all. I'm so so so tired

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I got tested after seeing an autism psychologist for evaluation and therapy. At first, she found me as autistic as that's all she was evaluating me for and I was on my best behavior. Once I worked with her for a few months on autism tips, she saw the ADHD clearly, completed a more thorough evaluation for the ADHD, and referred me to a psychiatrist.

I think that if you find a psychologist that can evaluate for autism, they were more likely than not be able to evaluate for ADHD as well as there is considerable comorbidity between that two.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Honestly, i don't even know if I've got ADHD. I just know the memes resonate. As I age my ability to function, to run a business, to do the bookkeeping and follow up visits, to answer the phone some days; everything is getting harder

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

That sounds confusing and disorienting. Maybe it would be a good idea to see a psychologist that specializes in thorough assessments, not just a general practitioner. They can run a battery of tests to tease it all apart and get you squared away.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Yah but see my op, Medicaid isn't covering testing, just therapy. Added to that, i can't afford to pay out of pocket. American healthcare inaction. Sorry, in action

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago

Yeah, I'm American, and I get the system. It has some serious problems. I wish there was something for you. Maybe there are psychologist that will do something pro bono (free) if you tell them your financial situation, or perhaps there are agencies for ADHD in your area that will help. Try googling "pro bono psych assessment" in your area or "ADHD services" in your area. My area has 2 whole organizations that are entirely free to autistics. Also, not saying your autistic, but I knew I was ADHD my whole life. Then at 40, I realized I was also autistic. Consider taking some of these tests just to check. If it turns out you might be autistic, that will not only be insightful, but possibly grant you access to a lot more services since ADHD tends have less support.