How to Talk to Your GP About ADHD

Before Your Appointment

1. 1

   Complete the ASRS screening questionnaire

   The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale is a validated 18-question screener freely available online. Print your completed results to bring to your appointment — it gives your GP concrete evidence to work with.

2. 2

   Write down specific examples

   List 5–10 concrete ways ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. Focus on work performance, relationships, finances, time management, and emotional wellbeing. "I have been put on a performance improvement plan because I cannot meet deadlines" is more compelling than "I struggle to focus."

3. 3

   Request a double appointment

   A standard GP appointment is 10 minutes — not enough for this discussion. Call reception and request a double slot (20 minutes), mentioning it is for a mental health concern.

4. 4

   Research your preferred provider

   If you plan to use Right to Choose, identify your chosen provider in advance. Note their name, CQC registration, and whether they accept RTC referrals in your ICB area.

What to Say at Your Appointment

Here is a suggested script you can adapt:

• Lead with ADHD, not anxiety or depression. GPs may focus on treating those instead.
• Emphasise that symptoms are lifelong, not recent. ADHD is neurodevelopmental — your GP needs to understand this is not a new problem.
• Be specific about impact. Concrete examples ("I lost my last job because...") are more persuasive than general descriptions.
• Mention Right to Choose by name. Some GPs are unfamiliar with it — naming it specifically shows you know your rights.

Common GP Responses and How to Handle Them

Not all GPs are well-informed about adult ADHD. Here are common responses and suggested replies:

• "You seem fine to me / You did well at school." → "ADHD is not about intelligence. I have developed coping mechanisms, but they are unsustainable and causing burnout. The ASRS screening suggests I should be assessed by a specialist."
• "It sounds like anxiety/depression." → "I understand those may be factors, but I believe the underlying cause is ADHD. I would like both to be considered, starting with a specialist ADHD assessment."
• "We don't do Right to Choose here." → "Right to Choose is a legal right under the NHS Constitution. I understand if you are unfamiliar with the process — I can provide the provider's referral details."
• "The waiting list is very long." → "That is exactly why I would like to use Right to Choose. I can be seen in weeks rather than years, at no NHS cost beyond the standard referral."
• "I don't think you have ADHD." → "I respect your view, but I would like this formally assessed by a specialist. Could you please record in my notes that I requested a referral and your clinical reason for declining?"

If Your GP Says No

A GP refusal does not end the conversation. You have several options:

• Ask them to document the refusal in your medical records, including their clinical reasoning.
• Request a second opinion from another GP at the same practice.
• Contact your ICB's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for support in challenging the decision.
• Consider registering with a different GP practice — use our GP Checker to find practices with better ADHD referral records.
• Self-refer to a private provider for a CQC-registered assessment (your GP should accept the resulting diagnosis).
• Make a formal complaint through the NHS complaints procedure if you believe the refusal was unreasonable.

Frequently Asked Questions