My Experience Getting Diagnosed with ADHD in Bangkok
I never thought in a million years that I would get tested for ADHD. For the longest time, I had no idea I might have it. It wasn't until a few eye-opening conversations with friends who were diagnosed that I began to notice the parallels. Their stories about struggling with focus, impulsivity, and the constant feeling overwhelmed felt all too familiar. That's when it hit me—could I have ADHD too?
A Flashback to 2016
Back in the second semester of my sophomore year in college, my roommate—who was juggling a full-time job working with special needs children while pursuing her master's in Special Education—casually mentioned that I might have ADHD. At the time, I had no idea what ADHD even was. I brushed it off, thinking it was an offhand comment. When I called my dad to tell him about it, he quickly defended me. He told me it was rude of her to make such a comment and reassured me that I didn't have ADHD.
Fast forward eight years later, and Olivia was right all along.
The Research Begins
After those conversations with my friends, I started doing extensive research. By "extensive research," I mean hours spent on Google, ChatGPT, YouTube, and Instagram. The more I learned, the more convinced I became that I might have ADHD. The symptoms, the struggles, and even the coping mechanisms—it all resonated deeply. Still, I knew I wasn't qualified to self-diagnose. I needed a professional to confirm it.
Finding the right psychiatrist in Bangkok was a journey in itself. It took me nearly a month to find an English-speaking specialist. Not because they're rare but because I'm a chronic overthinker. After much deliberation, I decided to go with Dr. Yadawee at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital. Her name came up repeatedly in expat recommendations, which gave me confidence in my choice.
Booking and the Diagnosis Process
Booking the appointment was surprisingly easy. Samitivej's website is straightforward, and I scheduled my session within minutes. When the day arrived, I walked into the hospital feeling both anxious and hopeful.
Dr. Yadawee started the session by asking about my mental health history. She then had me fill out three separate questionnaires. To officially diagnose ADHD, she explained, it was essential to rule out other conditions like bipolar disorder and split personalities. The first form was for bipolar disorder assessment, the second for split personality assessment, and the third for ADHD. Hearing this made me feel confused and anxious. The idea that my entire life might have been shaped by something I never understood was a lot to process.
The session lasted about an hour and a half. I had so many questions, and Dr. Yadawee was patient and thorough in answering them. By the end of the appointment, I had my diagnosis: ADHD.
The Cost and Medication
The total cost for the session was around 2600 baht (~77 USD), which included both the doctor's fee and the hospital charges. Dr. Yadawee offered to prescribe medication, but I decided to hold off for now. For those considering medication, it's worth noting that filling your prescription at an external pharmacy like Siam Pharmacy rather than at the hospital is cheaper.
My Takeaway
Overall, my experience getting diagnosed with ADHD in Bangkok was overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Yadawee was professional, compassionate, and thorough. The process was straightforward and much more affordable than I would have paid back home. If you're living in Bangkok and suspect you might have ADHD, I highly recommend seeking an assessment. Understanding my diagnosis has been a game-changer, and I'm grateful I took that step.
