HMO won’t diagnose bc I have good grades (advice needed)

[Losemyhead]

As someone with adhd family members and only a few units away from a psychology degree, I am very familiar with the symptoms of adhd and strongly suspect I have it. I was evaluated and informed that I “have the symptoms” but they can’t diagnose me bc I’m a “very bright student” and they suggested that I get more sleep (which is not helpful advice by any stretch of the imagination). I later found out that it is basically an unwritten rule for my HMO that they won’t diagnose adults who did well in school as a child. Is it worth it to pay out of pocket for a private sector psychiatrist to evaluate me? I constantly feel like I’m on the verge of disaster. I am extremely forgetful, a procrastinator, unable to self regulate, emotional, distractible, indecisive and my room is a disaster. Finishing out undergrad online is daunting and I am already dreading the amount of focus PT school is going to demand. As a kid and teen I relied on the structure of school and my mother to keep me on track and even in college, my classmates and friends held me accountable. So many resources required an official diagnosis so it’s had to get help. I am so desperate I will take any advice or nuggets of wisdom.

[Shnookie]

Your HMO sounds ignorant but that is beside the point. I received A's and B's in elementary school, but my teachers indicate that I was not following directors. I used my powers to use my hyperfocus abilities but this only existed to a certain extent. U should ask to speak to a supervisor and explain why you were able to succeed thru your school years. A letter would be more persuasive. Explain that you have your future ahead of you and to save money

the insurance companies always love this it would be wise to caution on the side of error and request a psychiatric evaluation. Of course they may want to go the way of a

pre-existing condition. However in the age of the Corona Virus, the job market is extremely competitive and you need to be on the top of your game.

[Hidden]

See a psychologist, they will test you for ADHD. A general practitioner is most likely not going to help you. After a diagnosis you then will have to see a psychiatrist.

Now, how to get your insurance to cover it is a whole different game. So if paying out of pocket is what it will take than maybe that is the route you go. But I personally never had the money to do that so I have always argued my insurance down and forced them to see it my way. Most of them are just as uneducated about ADHD as anyone else. So for an insurance company you need to prove that ADHD is causing daily mental and/or physical issues. If they don't like the term ADHD, then say anxiety coupled with depression. The medications for ADHD are commonly used to treat anxiety and depression too.

Good luck and feel free to ask me questions.

[happyhermit]

Wow. I was a "very bright student" too, and I definitely have ADHD. Look at this, and maybe you can send it to your practitioner. I would challenge the HMO on their decision, definitely. psychologytoday.com/us/blog...