How to Talk to Your GP About ADHD Assessment

You've done your research. You've taken screenings, read articles, maybe spoken to friends who've been through it. You're fairly sure you have ADHD. Now comes the bit that makes a lot of people nervous: telling your GP. The good news is that you don't need to convince them. You just need to give them enough information to make a referral. Here's how to set yourself up for the best possible outcome.

What Your GP Can (and Can't) Do

Your GP cannot diagnose ADHD. That's not their role. What they can do is refer you for a specialist assessment, either through the NHS or via a Right to Choose provider. The appointment is about demonstrating that a referral is warranted, not about proving your diagnosis in a 10-minute consultation.

Some GPs are well-informed about adult ADHD. Others have had very little training on it and may default to outdated assumptions ('you did well at school, so it can't be ADHD'). Knowing what to expect and what to bring puts you in a strong position either way.

How to Prepare Before the Appointment

1. 1

   Complete a validated screening tool. The WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is widely used by GPs as a first step. Print your results and bring them. You can also use our free screening chatbot to generate a likelihood score you can reference.

2. 2

   Write down your symptom history. Focus on childhood and adolescence as well as the present day. ADHD symptoms must have been present before age 12, so evidence of early difficulties is important. Dig out old school reports if you can; comments about daydreaming, disorganisation, or 'not reaching potential' are highly relevant.

3. 3

   Prepare specific examples across multiple settings. Think about how your symptoms affect work (missed deadlines, difficulty with admin, losing track of tasks), home life (clutter, forgetting appointments, struggling to manage household routines), and relationships (interrupting, emotional outbursts, inconsistency). Clinicians look for evidence that the symptoms cause impairment across different areas of life.

4. 4

   Note any family history. ADHD has a strong genetic component. If a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed (or shows signs), mention it.

5. 5

   Research your options in advance. Look up your local NHS ADHD assessment service and its current waiting time. If you want to use the Right to Choose pathway, identify a provider beforehand so you can request a specific referral. Our clinic directory shows waiting times and accepts Right to Choose referrals.

What to Say in the Appointment

Be direct. You don't need to build up to it or soften the request. A clear opening might sound like: 'I believe I may have ADHD and I'd like to be referred for a specialist assessment. I've done some research and screening, and I've brought some notes on my symptoms.'

Then walk through your evidence: childhood symptoms, current impact, screening results, and family history. Let the GP ask their questions. According to ADHD UK, your GP may ask when your symptoms started, where they affect you, whether there have been any recent significant life events, and whether there's a family history of ADHD.

If you'd like to use the Right to Choose pathway, say so clearly: 'I'd like to exercise my Right to Choose and be referred to [provider name].' You don't need to justify this. It's your legal right under the NHS Constitution. Our article on Right to Choose for ADHD covers this in full.

What If Your GP Pushes Back?

Most GPs will make the referral if you present reasonable evidence. But some may resist, often for outdated reasons. Common pushbacks include: 'You can't have ADHD if you got through school,' 'It might just be anxiety or stress,' or 'We don't do Right to Choose here.'

If this happens, stay calm and factual. You can point to NICE guideline NG87, which makes clear that ADHD should be recognised and assessed in adults. Academic achievement does not rule out ADHD. Anxiety and ADHD frequently co-exist (as we cover in our ADHD vs anxiety article). And Right to Choose is an NHS England policy that applies to all GP practices in England.

If your GP still refuses, ADHD UK advises that you can request a second opinion from another GP at the same practice, or you can change practices. Ask for the refusal to be noted in your medical records; this sometimes prompts a reconsideration.

After the Appointment

Once the referral is made, ask for confirmation of where it has been sent and the expected waiting time. If you've requested a Right to Choose referral, follow up after a week to make sure it has actually been processed. Our free Access to Work application tracker (available when you create an account) can help you monitor your progress through the system.

While you wait for assessment, you don't have to put everything on hold. Learning about ADHD, developing coping strategies, and exploring whether you're eligible for Access to Work support are all productive steps you can take right now.

Sources

NHS: ADHD in adults · NICE Guideline NG87: ADHD diagnosis and management · ADHD UK: Diagnosis pathways · ADHD UK: Right to Choose wait times