This guide shows explains how to get treated for ADHD in Germany, step by step.
1. Find a psychiatrist
Talk to a psychiatrist, not a psychotherapist. Psychotherapists can’t prescribe medication. If you can, find a psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD.
English-speaking psychiatrists in Berlin
With public health insurance
It’s really hard to find a psychiatrist who accepts public health insurance. They are often booked for months, and rarely accept new patients.
It’s easier to find a private psychiatrist. You can get diagnosed faster and start medication sooner. The diagnosis costs around €200 and you must pay for it yourself.9 Your insurance might reimburse you, but it’s not guaranteed. Your insurer will still pay for your ADHD medication.7
After you start medication, you don’t need to see your psychiatrist all the time. Your Hausarzt can renew your ADHD medication prescription.
With private health insurance
With private health insurance, it’s easier to find a psychiatrist. You can usually get an appointment within 1 month.
2. Get diagnosed
The first psychiatrist appointment is like an interview. They ask questions about to see if you have ADHD symptoms. They try to understand how these symptoms affects your life. They will see if you have ADHD, and decide how to treat it.3
German doctors only prescribe medication when it’s necessary. Your psychiatrist might try therapy and other approaches first. It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the process.
Usually, you can get a prescription for ADHD medication on the first or second appointment.
3. Health check
Before you start medication, you might need a blood test (Blutuntersuchung). This is to see how the medication affects you later. It takes a few minutes, and you get the results a day or two later.
Use Doctolib to find a clinic for the blood test. Your Hausarzt can do it. You can usually get an appointment in a few days. Your health insurance pays for it.
You also need to check your blood pressure. You can monitor it yourself at home.
4. Medication
During your first or second appointment, your psychiatrist gives you a prescription (Rezept) for ADHD medication. Bring it to any pharmacy (Apotheke) to get your medication. If they don’t have your medication, they will order it, and you can pick it up 1 to 3 days later.
At the Apotheke, you can sometimes choose between brand or generic medication. Generic medication is cheaper, and has the same effect.
ADHD medication in Germany
These ADHD medications are usually prescribed in Germany:11
- Medikinet (Methylphenidate)
This is the default ADHD medication for adults.2 It’s also called Ritalin, Kinecteen or Concerta. - Vyvanse/Elvanse (Lisdexamphetamine)
Usually prescribed when Medikinet does not work.4 Some doctors now try Elvanse first. - Strattera (Atomoxetine)
Sometimes prescribed to people who can’t take stimulants, and people with addictive disorders.10
All those medications are covered by your public or private health insurance. If you have public health insurance, it covers the cheapest treatment that works. This is why they try Medikinet before Vyvanse.
Medication costs
If you have public health insurance, the medication costs you €5.1 Your insurance pays the rest. If you have private health insurance, it usually covers the full cost.
First medication
You will probably start with a low dose of Medikinet (Ritalin); usually 5 to 10 mg. If you try Vivanse, you will get a 20 to 30 mg dose. Your psychiatrist will teach you how to take the medicine and explain its side effects to you.
During the first week, you might feel nausea, an upset stomach and a loss of appetite. This is normal. Your body is adjusting to the medication. For me, it felt like a mild hangover until lunch. I also felt a bit of anxiety and euphoria, like when I have a really strong coffee.
Write everything down! Keep a journal of how you feel. It helps your psychiatrist adjust your medication.
If you don’t feel any big improvements yet, it’s normal. If you feel big improvements, don’t get too excited. Your body is adjusting to the drug.
5. Adjustments
Every few weeks, you will see your psychiatrist to adjust your medication. They will listen to your feedback, and titrate your medication. Give clear, specific feedback. A journal really helps with that.
Usually, if you don’t have any bad side effects, they will increase the dose, and schedule another appointment. You might need to check your blood pressure.
If your current medication does not work for you, tell your psychiatrist. You are not alone. They can try a different drug. It’s also covered by your health insurance.
6. Long-term treatment
You usually get 30 to 90 pills per prescription. When the pills run out, you must go to the doctor and renew your prescription.
You can renew your prescription at your Hausarzt.5 It’s easier than going to your psychiatrist every time, because they have more free appointments.
Costs
The cost of the diagnosis, therapy and medication are covered by your health insurance.
If you have public health insurance, it covers the ADHD diagnosis, therapy and medication. There is a €5 deductible for each prescription, but the medication is free.1
Public health insurance covers the cheapest treatment that works.8 Doctors will only try medication if it’s necessary. They might try therapy before medication. They might also try the cheapest medication first.
If you have private health insurance, ask your insurer what is covered. It usually covers the ADHD diagnosis, therapy and medication.
If you pay out of pocket, the diagnosis costs around €200. The medication costs up to €3 per pill, and you usually take one pill per day.6
Consequences
Once you get diagnosed and medicated, it’s almost impossible to switch to private health insurance. If you currently have public health insurance, it’s not a problem. If you have expat health insurance, you will need to get public or private health insurance at some point. An ADHD diagnosis makes it really hard to get proper health insurance.
Need help?
- ADxS.org
Website for ADHD in Germany. They have detailed information in English, and a German-language forum. - Mental State Berlin
Facebook group about mental health in Berlin. - Full list of German ADHD communities
Sources and footnotes
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adhs-erwachsene.net (March 2026), adxs.org (March 2026) ⤴
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adhs-erwachsene.net (March 2026) ⤴
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Personal experience (March 2026) ⤴
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Dr. Lazaros Giousmpasis (March 2026) ⤴
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adxs.org (March 2026), adhspedia.de (March 2026) ⤴