I’ve been struggling with ADHD but only learned about it last year when my psychologist (outside Kaiser) suggested I get an evaluation for proper medication. A Kaiser psychiatrist diagnosed me with anxiety and depression, which I don’t think I have. They prescribed Wellbutrin, but it caused sleep issues, so I sought another psychiatrist, as the first one wanted to prescribe SSRIs, which I didn’t want. A new therapist suggested another evaluation, but I didn’t pass.

The evaluation concluded I didn’t meet ADHD criteria, saying my symptoms were better explained by an adjustment disorder with anxiety. They also noted that inattentive symptoms didn’t appear until after college, which doesn’t meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. However, I told them my 2nd-grade teacher often said I couldn’t sit still, and my mom referred to me as "scattered brain" growing up. How is that not a symptom before the age of 12? In the Philippines in the 2000s, ADHD wasn’t widely understood, so I was just seen as a naughty student. I migrated here 2014 and life was hard on me because I was suffering with something I didn't know that can be helped with. I thought that my life is in chaos and not in order.

Now, I’m heartbroken. Getting an evaluation outside my insurance is expensive. Has anyone had a similar experience with Kaiser? What did you do?