I am convinced I have undiagnosed adult ADHD so I made an appointment at the GP and got a referral. I was referred to the "Sydney International ADHD Centre"
I went on to the website and the first thing that pops up is the doctors fees which are
"Initial Consultation (Up to 1hr): $850 (Medicare rebate: $237)".
This is a ridiculous hourly fee!
Has anyone had any experience in this area? Should I shop around for a cheaper doctor or is this just what it costs?
That was my schooling experience and similar work experience up to this point. Now at age 35 and having been through several psychologists, my current psychologist pulled me up in the middle of some rambling and asked me a bunch of screening questions (unbeknownst to me). He ended up giving me and my wife questionnaires to complete, and they indicated that I had inattentive type ADHD.
He gave me the diagnosis, then it was a real pain in the arse finding a psychiatrist who would even see me because so many people are desperate for the drugs now that psychiatrists are turning adult ADHD cases away. I got really lucky to get an appointment with one, and because I wasn't pressuring him to put me on Ritalin/Dexy during the consult, he agreed with the psychologist's diagnostic letter and I'm now trying to find the right meds/dosage. Not there yet, but at least I'm on the path and I have a better understanding of who and why I am. It helps you to own your flaws too, I was so defensive to being told that I was lousy with time, or that I was lazy, etc.
I think the most important thing for anyone reading this thread who thinks that they may have adult ADHD, don't go fishing for that diagnosis. If you haven't already, get yourself an MHP and go see a psychologist first. You don't know for certain you have ADHD, but what you really need if you feel like you need help is to start at the beginning. Talk through the problems that you are facing with your psychologist, and they can help you to develop strategies to deal with them. At the moment, while I'm working out what my dose/drug is for treatment of the ADHD, the strategies alone from my psychologist have improved my day-to-day functionality immensenly.
So without references to childhood behavior, an Adult can't get diagnosed/treatment for ADHD ?
And after your $850 they put you on goey pills. What a racket.
"Treatment for ADHD is straightforward once properly diagnosed. In most cases, it is a matter of choosing methylphenidate or dexamphetamine in the right dose for the patient, i.e., the dosage that yields the best results with the minimum side effects."
Go for the dexies
What do you propose they do instead?
As a parent of a recently diagnosed child with ADHD, this seems fairly consistent with the pediatrician fees for diagnosis.
I would assume it is unlikely you will get a diagnosis after your first visit, and likely after a couple of consults - however if it follows a similar pricing structure, the following appointments will not be as expensive (but not cheap either).
It completely depends who you see and what information you can provide them - especially about your experiences as a child.
I’ve known people to be disgnosed in the first appt, and others to need 2-3 appts for the diagnosis then need blood tests, urine tests, etc. before being prescribed meds.
besides from possible meds… how does the "treatment" work? you just keep going back with the same thing?
sorry I just have no idea what the process is to treat ADHD and interested
There's behavioural therapy too, to teach you strategies for managing the symptoms and still be able to get basic adult stuff done, cope at work, cope in your relationships, etc
You are not an expert, so you being convinced is still an uninformed speculation. Seeing a specialist will clarify more and make sure you also get second and third opinion.
Mary a wife with the name of Rita.
Play tennis with her and make sure you win every game.
Become an alchemist and experiment with her.
Once she wins every game you have created Ritalin!
Either that or you become Nick Kyrgios - ADHD - A (profanity) in Denial
I have recently been through this experience. PM me OP (or others) for more info.
I will say there is an active Australian group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/368618056663082
Likewise, also happy to be PM'd.
The fee you have quoted in your OP is far higher than what I paid.
Your pm settings seem to be restricted so not able to send one.
! sorry, fixed. didn't know that was a thing
That article is just academics and wanton scepticism and not talking about real lived experience.
The ABC and Guardian are better because they are ADHD-postive and use storytelling to show how and more adults (especially minorities like women) are fighting the stigma/stereotypes of ADHD (white boys) and getting diagnosed to help make their lives better.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/topic/adhd
https://www.theguardian.com/society/attention-deficit-hypera…
The Guardian one didn't seem ADHD drug positive to me. Sounds horrible, on or off them. Didn't read ABC one - link led to many articles - which one?
Adult Autism diagnosis through private clinic is at least $1000. Id assume ADHD would be in the same ballpark
That does seem pretty steep, I went to a private psychiatrist for my initial consultation and that was was $450.00 with a $231.65 medicare refund.
Though your's may be higher due to going to a specialised centre for ADHD instead of a private practice.
My psychiatrist fee was around that much too. And so was my previous psychiatrist. So I’d definitely recommend the OP shopping around. The amounts they were quoted seem obscene for the first consultation.
As someone else pointed out, some do charge quite a bit to give you a letter with an actual diagnosis, but my understanding is that they can still prescribe you medication without an official diagnosis so that might be a cheaper route in the short term if you can access it, OP.
I've never paid more than $350 per hour for a psychiatrist and I've been to my share. I used to consider $350 extortionate, but medical specialists have all been raising their rates well above inflation.
Given the failure of Medicare to provide accessible specialist care there really should be better regulation of private clinician fees.
Trying to get on the NDIS bandwagon I guess?
Pay the fee - the welfare you get after this will pay for itself thousands time over
ADHD is not covered under NDIS.
This is why it is difficult and sad that anybody with mental health issues cannot get help. Nobody can afford these crazy charges.
When we got our child diagnosed, we went through the public system. this took about 9 months after we got the initial consult (which we had to wait about 6 months for) The process involved about 5 (I can't remember exactly), different doctors, with varying specialities, and would have cost many thousands of dollars if we went private. The cost OP stated doesn't surprise me because there is such a lack of medical professionals in this field, they can charge the earth and still make bank. I would call them to see how long the diagnosis process will take and how much each session will cost after the initial consult.
Does your workplace provide EAP, not sure if this would be included but might be worth a try.
EAP is counsellors and psychologist. They can potentially help but usually can't formally diagnose / prescribe meds if required.
EAP is completely inappropriate for this kind of clinical situation.
OP - it's obvious that this is something that bothers you. 6 months is a long wait, but please do not be discouraged from seeking treatment and stay the course.
I initially went to a GP to discuss my 'self diagnosed' OCD and social anxiety, 9 months and after a couple of sessions with a psychologist and finally a psychiatrist I was diagnosed with ADHD. Life gets easier after treatment.
Yep 100% this
My experience. Getting diagnosis and ongoing treatment/therapy did/does cost a bit……. but the cost of not was so much higher
I think we are slowly but surely losing our universal free healthcare in Australia given the way things are going, even bulk-billing GPs seem to be a thing of the past. However the federal government still seem to be pre-occupied with spending hundreds of billions on nuclear subs to benefit the US/UK at the expense of everyday Aussies healthcare.
That price is disgusting.
Shop around or go public.
I am not sure but you can also do some online cheap questionnaires. It will help to make up the decision to go and spend that kind of money
If you haven't done one start with the screener test on this page. Whilst it doesn't diagnose it gives you an indication if you're likely in the ballpark.
Adult adhd is underdiagnosed IMO. A lot of it is missed in children if they are smart and/or resilient, able to develop coping strategies that help them get by so it doesn't get picked up.
Best description I've heard is it's like having an orchestra in your head where everything is playing slightly out of tempo/choreography.
Best description I've heard is it's like having an orchestra in your head where everything is playing slightly out of tempo/choreography.
or ya know, having an out of time orchestra, a funk band, an audiobook, your own train of thought, an old-timey movie, and a dog barking in your head, all at the same time hahaha
The cost is less than an iphone 13.
And an iPhone13 will have the opposite effect on attention
That is slightly high but in the ballpark. There are no bulk-billing private psychiatrists and public psychiatrists don't do this kind o work. And to refer back to the GP bulk-billing going down the drain thread, this is the result of chronic underinvestment in the Medicare rebate for over a decade. Especially psychiatry. And ADHD assessment is very in-depth and takes a lot of knowledge and expertise. Not a diagnosis you want to miss or get wrong.
I do think just try to find a regular private psychiatrist who can do it OP, you will find it a little cheaper.
I don't have any answers for you but I sympathise with your circumstances. I struggle a lot with ADHD symptoms.
I first began to wonder whether I was on the ADHD spectrum based on the suggestion of a sibling who watched his wife go through the diagnosis and kept thinking of me. I am not on facebook or tiktok so I don't feel I'm being swayed by some perceived trend. I've been looking back in my whole life and childhood and feeling like so many of my experiences and tendencies finally make sense through this lens.
I spoke to a psychologist and got a referral for a psychiatrist but, like you, couldn't believe the cost and wait times!
Definitely worth asking your psychologist for other referrals, as most will give you the best psychiatrist, not necessarily the most available or affordable
I was in a similar position, was told it'd cost $800 with a 6 months wait. I was only given another option for $450 and a 2 month wait after mentioning how hard of a hit that would be
Aparently he only offers that psychiatrist for patients who ask, as they have no admin staff and irregular hours, and only do telehealth. So it's much more effort on his part to deal with them, compared to the first mob that has a full time receptionist and fancy clinic nearby, but you definitely pay for those overheads
As a minority and not having adhd, can claim stuff from the government like other groups…
Got my child tested 2 years ago. End result was ADHD and 2 years of meds have helped turn his school work around so was spot on in the end.
But to get there was a few pedetrician visits, 5 or so session with a psychologist, and lots of paper work for parents and teachers.
In the end the cost was in excess of 2k so its going to cost you a fair few bargains.
Hopefully will pay itself of with future employment options and quality of life.
Spot on. We were interested in knowing if he just wasnt academically inclined or had difficulties we were not addressing.
If it wasnt so expensive id sugest it with everyones kids. Its insightful what they report back after all that testing.
How old was he when you got him tested?
And are the meds an ongoing thing or do the cure it if you get in early?
Seems normal for a non emergency, specialist medical fee.
I had about a 9mo wait to get to see a psychiatrist but it was about $500-600 for initial consult, approx half of which I got back through medicare.
See another GP or ask your GP for another referral. I am happy to provide the name of my psychiatrist (not due to rave reviews but availability and price lmao), but he's in Wollongong. Most of the Sydney ones have closed books atm.
For those recommending go public, public psychiatrist do not generally diagnosis ADHD or see patients with ADHD.
Adhd is the biggest scam of the century
An ADHD diagnosis is very useful noththeless since it gives you access to powerful, performance enhancing medications. Antipressants are like water compared to ritalin and dexamphetamine.
I see many medicated junior Elon Musks here in the Ozbargain forums. Elevated to new levels of intelligence via amphetamines.
You can dm me if you like for more information.
I was diagnosed at abiut 32 by a psychiatrist. Im in NSW.
Only a psychiatrist can prescribe the various meds (at least in NSW that is the case) for adults.
My psych sessions cost about $350 from memory, then theres medicare rebate. So the price youve been quoted sounds exorbinent. I can give you the details of my psych if you like, he's based on North Shore in Sydney.
Side note, i see my psych once every 1-2 months as it has helped me improve my habits, thought processes, etc. so that I avoid becoming reliant on medication.
For me, the financial cost of psych sessions is FAR lower than the negative impacts that snowball (emotional, professional, financial, heck pretty much every aspect of life) when untreated.
That price seems excessive, omg.
Anyways adhd seems to be one fascinating condition(I cannot say it's a b6 deficiency) and wouldn't compare it to someone autism but they are very similar.
Well ADHD from research seems to be a coping mechanism at birth(most certainly not inherited) but most likely environmental from negligence of stimuli of the baby at birth to grasp onto anything positive, but that doesn't necessarily mean the outcomes negative only that the brain insures that stimuli will exist in the child's self preservation until no stimuli or negatively effect of stimuli impacts the individual to develop poorly early in life(but by no means are they unintelligible, it's just they have been given the wrong tools or effective nurturing when needed) and can also be triggered later in life with tremendous stress from impulse gambling, drugs, peer pressure
While some refer to add/ADHD as a disease it's far from it, it's a survival mechanism, and both autism and ADHD have their stigma, they both however have a keen focus, attention to detail, and excessive ocd, but they tend to fall apart when stress becomes a issue.
ADHD is absolutely hereditary, it's literally just a mutation in the genes responsible for dopamine production and regulation
Essentially the brain of a person with classic ADHD removes dopamine much faster than a neurotypical person, they physically have more dopamine transporters: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15950014
What's interesting is that SLC6A3, the key gene responsible for dopamine transporters, is also linked to autism and several movement disorders. This is theorised to be why ADHD, autism and dyspraxia are often co-morbid
And that makes sense because ADHD would have been evolutionarily beneficial for early humans, that extra risk taking and hyperfocus on novel pleasures like food and sex clearly worked well enough to be passed on. And it still does, both Bill Gates and Richard Branson have ADHD, as well as many top athletes like Michael Phelps
Stimulants increase dopamine levels, which is like fixing an oil leak by just putting more oil in, only treats the symptoms not the cause, but it works
More modern treatments focus on those dopamine transporters but only work for some people, assuming as time goes on we won't see stimulants needed at all
Mewmew: Wow - you simply have no idea what you are talking about. Please try to prove me wrong and link some peer reviewed journal articles which supports your post.
ADHD presents itself by a young age (by age 12) and isn't "triggered later in life with tremendous stress from impulse gambling, drugs, peer pressure". My source is the DSM-5 https://www.qandadhd.com/diagnostic-criteria
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277258/
That's based on genes that could be in theory be exposed to out of embryo environmental factors that induce ADHD but doesn't necessarily mean your predetermined to have ADHD immediately once born.
Same could be said for pulcystic kidney disease, you have a 50/50 chance inheriting it but doesn't carry on into the gene pool of that individual.
One can be benign, and one can be susceptible.
Thank you for humoring me and I've always wanted to say this to someone after I always heard my uni lecturers rant on about it - "Correlation does not equal causation."
The article is quite poor to be honest as it pulls data from a range of different studies, many of which had extremely low sample sizes (eg one only had 43) and unclear study conditions (in terms of accuracy of tests administered and how the results were assessed). In fact, the article you posted even states the following conclusion which essentially highlights that the authors aren't directly concluding that the factors investigated and discussed, are directly linked to a higher risk of an individual developing from non-hereditary factors.
"An improved understanding of the role that environmental factors play in ADHD etiology is critical to future ADHD prevention efforts."
Finally - the article you linked was from 2011 and to my knowledge there has been no conclusive proof that ADHD can develop in an individual later in life/when they are an adult. Ultimately the DSM is seen to be the 'bible' when it comes to the diagnosis of mental disorders and is based on extensive sound research, studies and conclusions and not articles simply making wishy-washy semi-conclusions from a number of different and questionable studies.
ADD/ADHD treatment is stimulants (dopamine agonists) like ritalin and dexamphetamine, lower equivalent dose than methamphetamine or cocaine but affects you the same. The nanny state doesn't want people to take stimulants other than the much weaker caffeine, and has stims classified as Schedule 8 like narcotics and anabolic steroids. For some reason the taboo on stimulants doesn't apply to children, just adults. It is currently really easy for kids to get access to stimulants but very hard for adults who haven't been diagnosed while juveniles. The few doctors who are willing to diagnose adult ADHD and prescribe stims is very low, hence they are able to charge the obscene prices you encountered. You can't just walk into a GP's office, say "I believe I have ADHD, write me a prescription for ritalin", unfortunately.
That is ridiculously expensive - I was diagnosed by a specialist in mid to late 2020 and the initial consult was $330 (before Medicare rebate). Subsequent consultations were a bit cheaper and the last appointment I had was in September last year. It also seemed to be the 'going rate' in Brisbane for Psychiatrists who could diagnose ADHD, when I called around. I should also add that my specialist seems to be extremely experienced in his field and I even found mention of him testifying in court for criminal cases so I'm at a bit of a loss how a Psychiatrist could quote $850 and not be seen as price gouging.
A psychologist can diagnose
I believe you still need to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist to be prescribed anything for it though
If by chance you have a concession card and have reached safety net the cost will be under $125
I just went through this process (in my late 30's), as I had the same belief, and my job had changed in such a way I wasn't managing it very well.
I had already read some articles and books on it, and really wanted to explore it, and remember that it's a case of exploring a diagnosis, not confirming it. You should consider also finding a talk therapist that specialises in ADHD, as that can help you learn to manage your diagnosis (something i keep putting off…). It still feels like a lot of people think it's some "popularist" thing due to social media, and while that is kind of true to a degree, there is an adult onset version, that isn't ADHD that can be managed. If you have signs from when you were a kid, then yeah, definitely do it.
The initial psychiatrist fee is really high, but follow up sessinos are more normal, and the drugs are fairly affordable. You will have several sessions initially, and can take time to try a few different drugs and dosages to see what happens.
To be honest, I even went a second opinion from a psychiatrist that does specific ADHD diagnosis reports, had to talk to my mum and family about my history, as my psychiatrist was quick to diagnose, and I didn't feel like it was all that concrete, and I wanted to be sure. So, yeah, that confirmed it.
My initial consult was actually a bit more than this. It is pretty disgusting, and in essence it's a gate to block mental health care for people who aren't well off. Have your school reports scanned and ready for your first consult, and your parents might also need to be interviewed so word them up (especially if you weren't diagnosed as a child or don't have copies of the records for the diagnosis).
BUT if you've gotten a decent recommendation for this specialist then i would go for it, the diagnosis is only required once, and they can transfer prescribing power to your GP after they are convinced you aren't taking the piss.
AND it is absolutely worth it… If ADHD is impacting your adult life enough to have you seeking treatment, then you can't really put a price on the change it will make in your life. Just sucks having to foot the initial bill; I was living on 2 minute noodles and canned pantry supplies for a couple of months until the finances rebounded.
It won't get better either until people put their votes in the right place to extend medicare and mental health access. I guess franking credit tax cuts are more important than social wellbeing to some
Cheaper to fly to another country and see a dr, have a holiday whilst your at it.
Its a rip off
What English-speaking country has reciprocal healthcare arrangements where the OP (presumably an Australian) can get a non-urgent specialist appointment, that can prescribe Australian medication, and is so significantly cheaper that they can fly there for a holiday?
None. No such thing as an urgent diagnosis of ADHD that will be covered by reciprocal health agreement
Try regional psychs and go on a holiday to see one. I've done it before with Doctors specialising in certain areas as the city ones get away with charging what country ones cannot.
That will be like winning the lotto. The regions are more short of psychiatrists
Before deciding that you very likely have ADHD, I would suggest ruling out other things, perhaps more simple things, differential diagnosis etc.
Diagnosis is always the messy part of medicine. One example is that of those who feel they have problems with sleep/alertness etc (narcolepsy in this instance), the average time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis is about 14 years.
Good luck.
The medical profession is a complete mess. The accepted doctors' and medical fees and the structures set up to frustrate proper care are beyond ridiculous. Never mind the waiting lists or lack of recourse for negligence or malpractice. Good luck challenging any of that as you're met with indignation and made to jump through impossible hoops. I don't doubt there are good people in the profession but this is a profession that self-selects for sociopaths and the accepted corruption is impossible to justify. (Don't worry I can't afford to get an official diagnosis of sociopathy.) There is a very good reason people don't try to get help. "First do no harm" my *rse!
R U OK?
Yeah mate I'm fine thanks. At least as much as the rest of us. I've seen way too much bad behaviour from doctors and our systems make no sense.
Thanks for asking. Some other muppet just decided to downvote.
Can someone explain the benefits of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult?
Being able to understand why you are unable to function as NTs do, and not being angry or upset with yourself for the struggles you have.
Being able to access medication, therapy or coaching to help find ways that can best help you manage your symptoms and thrive in your day to day life.
Being able to tell people (friends, family, colleagues) “this is why I do things this way, or struggle to do things the ‘normal’ way” and to start a dialogue so they can just understand how our brains work, and if possible, how they can best support you.
And perhaps most importantly - being able to find other people who also didn’t know why they struggled with day to day life, who have similar experiences to what you’ve gone through, and to know you were never really alone.
Have a look at the international consensus statement. Science backed findings about adhd based on meta studies (ie multiple studies). from point 78 on it talks about risk factors with adhd.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014976342…
Alternatively around the 6:30 mark in one of Russell Barkley's talks (he's an expert on ADHD) he makes a clear statement - no impairment, no ADHD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua8Zm9STtKY
The benefit is removing or mitigating those risks/impairments
OP: an example ballpark price i have seen is 600, 380, 180 for the first, second and third appts. After medicare, 727 out of pocket.
I think there may be increased prices for a while - im only guessing here but i feel there is more people looking into ADHD so many clinics are booked out months in advance, or have closed their books to new patients entirely, further putting pressure on the ones that are taking new clients. Maybe that has pushed prices up in your area.
I'd be building a list of Psychiatrists and doing a ring around. Factor in Cost, Quality and Time. ie price vs reviews of the clinic/psych vs how quickly an appt is open. (btw you need a GP referral before booking - may be easier to get a generic referral)
Do research. There is one psych in perth where you can get an appointment very quickly. The reviews of that particular professional would give you pause, though. Important to make the right decision so anyone can gain quality assessment and treatment.
But TL;DR is, if it is ADHD, $850 is a bargain for the real world positive effect it has on your life.
I feel many dont realise that meds are not where the story ends.
Meds are just one part. A diagnosis effectively commits you to putting CBT practices into your life permanantly, and that is a lot of work. Meds don't fix everything in the ADHD brain, but the meds make implementing effective CBT possible. ADHD is hard work when you're medicated. It's downright dangerous when you're not.
Are you familiar with the specialists in Perth? Who would you recommend
Not familiar enough to make a recommendation sorry.
Start immediately with a generic referral from a GP, ideally with a mental health interest / specialisation. You’ll need that to book a psych.
Be prepared for a 5 month wait.
Does anyone have a suggestion for how to find psychiatrists that maybe aren’t listed easily online in the easier typical places? Might be less booked out. Check out ratemds.com ? Or other medical directory / listings
Cost me with clinical psychologist and psychiatrist nearly $2k for diagnosis and to be medicated about a year ago, so that's not too bad.
Go to a psychiatrist that can solve your health issue.
Most of them seem to do everything but solve health issues.
Everyone I know that have used them seem to become customers for life!
As they say, harder to find a new customer than retaining an existing one!
I think they start doing the sums for potential revenue goes through their head from the first appointment.
Either you pay the money to be falsely told you have ADHD which you can then blame every failure in your life for or….
Suck it up and realise you're just like everyone else.
Psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD - a psych appoinment is typically ~$200 with $100 medicare rebate.
However, diagnosis is far more involved than a single appointment. Background information, consultation (over likely multiple sessions), diagnostic tools all required.
Another classic example of people deviating from the original intention of the topic/question. OP's question is about the doctor's high fee but instead of offering suggestions on this question, most replies are about why OP cannot self-diagnose. OT has never mentioned that he's going to treat himself but is rather willing to go to a Doctor to get the consultation. I always wonder why can't the replies be constructive instead of bashing the OP. Anyway, that's my personal whinge :-).
no one cares.
Specialist fee seems cheap compared to an iPhone. Anyone who thinks Medicare fees are indicative of the worth of a medical service needs to study the distorted calculations used to index the MBS (Medical Benefits Schedule) that has happened over time.
Has anyone done the ADHD assessment and were able to claim with PHI i.e. Bupa? Mine cost ~$600 and the invoice I got isn't claimable with medicare or Bupa.
With Bupa you should have seen a preferred Bupa Specialist. You can find them through the website and the app. I believe that would have allowed you to not be out of pocket. Unfortunately you're limited to whoever is on their system. TBH I have no idea if Psychiatrists would be included at all, so you'll have to check for yourself.
Has anyone had any Negative impacts from being diagnosed with ADHD ? perhaps rejection from a service (Defence force, emergency service, volunteer work etc..), getting insurance, getting a license of some kind, other…
My understanding is "mental health" seems to fall into a big grey area where having some sort of mental health related issue = "this person has issues, therefor we must deny them".
Not that it matters too much, insurers are in the business of making endless hoops and barriers for everybody to jump through, use little tricks up their sleeves, and if you somehow manage to get through all of that, an official denial (so you hopefully give up and don't challenge them) is standard protocol.
can psych diagnose neurodivergence ?
@CaptainMaverick:
I can lay in bed all morning thinking “I should clean the house” and stressing that I can’t. Take my meds, the process is easy and the house is spotless.
It’s incredibly heartbreaking to think that other people can literally “just do” things and I couldn’t even start.
Have you been able to look into increasing your dose?