Will there be any issue applying to be an ALT with ADHD?

My advice: don't talk about it. It's not well understood here, and even the idea that it continues into adulthood is a relatively new idea in the medical community.

That being said, there are doctors (psychiatrists mostly) who understand it, and what the other commenter said is untrue; there are treatment options available. Strattera is available and not a schedule 2 drug. Concerta is also available, but is schedule 2 so there is a control scheme in place (ID card, registration, 30 days at a time dispensing, etc) but if you find a psychiatrist they can prescribe it. Vyvanse is the only amphetamine, all others are VERY illegal so do not attempt to bring them into the country or get them sent to you, they will arrest you and then deport you after you serve jail time. Even vyvanse was only made available mid last year, and it is currently only for children.

If you are going the ALT route, you might end up in the middle of nowhere without access to a psychiatrist that speaks english or knows anything about ADHD, so it may be difficult to medicate. Having done english teaching unmedicated, your schedule will likely be decently organized so you'll have plenty of external structure. And the Japanese are extremely time sensitive, so the pressure to adhere to the schedule once you adapt to it will be helpful. Don't expect your co-workers or managers to understand it, or be sympathetic or accommodating, don't talk about it (mental health stigma is definitely a thing here), and do your best and you should be fine.

To clarify, during your JET application you should not mention it, and then if/when you get here you'll have medical insurance and you can seek treatment on your own time, and never have to mention it. I don't know what medical reporting requirements there are for the application, but if you take adderall or an amphetamine make 100% sure that it is not mentioned in any medical documentation you submit.

Tough question. Mental health issues are still somewhat taboo in Japan, personally I'd just keep quiet about it if it were something I'd be capable of handling myself but obviously that would depend on the level of support necessary in your circumstances. I very much doubt there would be much to gain in the way of support though and making it known could be seen as demanding special treatment.

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Also, even though you've said you don't require it often anymore, ADHD medication is very tightly controlled in Japan - they only see it as an illegal drug with no medical benefit and being in possession of it is a criminal offence regardless of your reasons/diagnosis/prescription. Even if you don't use it often, if you absolutely NEED it when you do, it's worth bearing in mind that it wont be an option once you're there.

I’m autistic and I was an ALT. I agree with the others. I have sat through entire trainings about dealing with neurodivergent students and debated coworkers on what autism is, but I’ve never let them know about me. A few naturally guessed, but since I’m good at my job, they left it alone. You have to get here and prove yourself, and they probably won’t take the chance on you if they know that you have ADHD.

I got diagnosed with it here in Japan, so it wasn’t an issue for my application. Luckily there’s an English-speaking psychiatrist near me, but I need to take time off work regularly to get more meds (Strattera). In order to use paid medical leave, I need to submit paperwork from the hospital. I can use a receipt that just shows what time I was there and what I paid, or a slightly more detailed form that says I was at the mental health center. I’ve submitted both. My BOE doesn’t care.

I don’t recommend lying about it. You need to submit a medical history with your application, and your doctor needs to submit one too along with some other stuff like a TB test. If your doctor mentions it and you don’t, there could be a problem.

If you do mention it, be prepared to talk about your coping plan in your interview. What have you done so that you don’t need the meds anymore? At that stage, JET just wants to make sure you’re going to be able to take care of yourself or have access to whatever treatment you may need. You may find yourself placed in a bigger city to have access to a psychiatrist. There have been plenty of JETs with known mental health issues. As long as you can demonstrate you’re not a flight risk, you’re fine.

If you get accepted, your CO will know about the ADHD. Your coworkers may or may not know. Medical privacy is not as much of a thing here as you’re probably used to, so be prepared for that.

Good luck!

I'd recommend not telling anyone or mentioning it ever. As long as you do your job and don't cause problems no one will give a shit. But to all those people here diagnosed with autism or ADHD and worked here or anywhere else, your coworkers definitely know. I worked in an English speaking bar and met several coworkers who were on the spectrum. It's fucking obvious and they admitted it when asked. But it didn't really affect work but more towards personalities and working interactions so no one cared.

My colleague here is quite open about being somewhere on the autistic spectrum with me although our Japanese colleagues don’t know.
He can be a bit peculiar in his ways but he is a good teacher so it’s never really an issue.

I just got a note from my doctors and specialists that my medical conditions do not affect my ability to work.

It's not lying if it never comes up 👌

Keep quiet about it. BOEs choose their JETs and more often than not they consist of old oyajis living 2-3 decades in the past.

Ah, yes. Lying about conditions for gain. Just like politicians.