Many adults in England suspect they may have ADHD but feel unsure about how to begin the referral process. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone — and speaking to your GP is usually the first step.
This guide outlines how ADHD referrals work, what GPs typically look for, and how to prepare for the conversation so you can feel confident walking into your appointment.
Step 1: Understand the ADHD referral pathway
ADHD assessments are carried out by specialist clinicians — not by GPs. Your GP's role is to assess whether a referral for specialist assessment is appropriate based on your symptoms and history.
GPs will typically:
- Review the symptoms you describe
- Assess whether a referral to a specialist is appropriate
- Refer you to specialist ADHD services for formal assessment
Depending on your area and preferences, referrals may be made to:
- Local NHS ADHD services
- Specialist mental health providers
- Right to Choose providers
Waiting times for NHS ADHD assessments can exceed two years in some areas of England. Understanding your referral options — including NHS Right to Choose — can help you access care more quickly. Some areas of England also offer self-referral pathways that allow you to bypass your GP and refer yourself directly to ADHD assessment services; availability varies by location, so check with your local NHS trust or Integrated Care Board (ICB) to see if this option is available where you live.
Step 2: Prepare for your GP appointment
GP appointments are typically short — often around ten minutes. Arriving prepared will help you make the most of your time and ensure the conversation is focused and productive.
Before your appointment, try to prepare:
- The symptoms you experience on a regular basis
- How long these symptoms have been present
- How symptoms affect your work, education or daily life
- Examples from childhood, if relevant
Common ADHD symptoms adults report include:
- Difficulty concentrating or sustaining attention
- Forgetfulness in daily activities
- Difficulty finishing tasks or projects
- Impulsivity or restlessness
- Problems with organisation and time management
ADHD GP Referral Toolkit
Preparing for a GP appointment can make the referral process significantly easier. Our ADHD GP Referral Toolkit helps you:
- Organise your symptoms
- Prepare information your GP may ask about
- Understand referral pathways
- Generate a structured referral summary
Step 3: What to say to your GP
It can feel daunting to raise ADHD with your GP, but remember that GPs are there to help you access the right support. Here is a simple script you can adapt:
Key tip
GPs are particularly focused on functional impairment — how symptoms are affecting your ability to work, study, manage daily responsibilities, or maintain relationships. Lead with specific, real-life examples of impact rather than just listing symptoms. Concrete evidence of functional difficulty makes GPs more likely to act on your referral request.
"I've been experiencing ongoing difficulties with attention, organisation and focus that are affecting my work and daily life. I've been reading about ADHD and many of the symptoms resonate with my experiences. I'd like to request a referral for an ADHD assessment."
If you would like to exercise your Right to Choose, you can add:
"I understand that under NHS Right to Choose, I have the legal right to choose my provider for a first outpatient appointment. I'd like to be referred to [provider name] for my ADHD assessment."
Important note on co-existing conditions
Many adults seeking an ADHD assessment also experience anxiety, depression, or other conditions. Some GPs may initially attribute ADHD-like symptoms to these conditions and prefer to treat them first. However, ADHD frequently co-exists with other mental health conditions, and having a diagnosis of anxiety or depression does not rule out ADHD. If this comes up in your appointment, reassure your GP that addressing ADHD alongside other conditions is both possible and often beneficial.
Step 4: What happens after a referral
Once your GP submits a referral, the typical pathway looks like this:
Referral received
Your referral is received and logged by the specialist provider.
Screening questionnaires
You may be sent screening questionnaires to complete before your appointment.
Waiting list
You are placed on the provider's waiting list. Timescales vary significantly by provider and pathway.
Diagnostic assessment
A specialist clinician conducts a full diagnostic assessment.
The diagnostic assessment usually involves clinical interviews, standardised questionnaires and a discussion of your childhood history. Some providers also request collateral information from a family member or someone who knew you as a child.
Step 5: What if your GP refuses to refer you?
While most GPs are supportive, some may be hesitant to refer — particularly if they are unfamiliar with adult ADHD or Right to Choose. If this happens, you have options:
- Book a follow-up appointment to discuss your concerns further
- Bring additional information, such as symptom logs or screening questionnaire results
- Discuss Right to Choose providers as an alternative referral pathway
- Request to see a different GP at the practice
- Make a formal complaint through the GP practice's own complaints procedure
- Contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) if you believe you are being inappropriately denied a referral
- Contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for guidance and support
GP refused your referral? We can help.
Most GP refusals are based on the same few reasons - and most of them are challengeable. Tell us what happened on WhatsApp and we'll help you figure out your next step - for free.
Why message us
- Find out if your GP's reason is valid
- Get wording you can send back
- Know when to escalate to your local ICB
Scan to start a WhatsApp chat
Step 6: Consider NHS Right to Choose
Patients in England have the legal right to choose their healthcare provider for a first outpatient appointment. This is known as NHS Right to Choose, and it can help you access care more flexibly.
Rather than joining a local NHS waiting list that may stretch to two years or more, Right to Choose allows you to request a referral to an approved specialist provider. Waiting times may be shorter with some Right to Choose providers, but this varies — some have experienced increased demand and longer waiting lists. Always check current waiting timescales directly with your chosen provider before requesting a referral.
Important: The provider you choose must hold an NHS contract or be an approved provider for ADHD assessment. Not every private ADHD clinic qualifies under Right to Choose. Your GP will help verify eligibility, but it is worth confirming with the provider directly that they accept Right to Choose referrals.
To learn more about how Right to Choose works for ADHD specifically — including current ICB restrictions and what to say to your GP — read our dedicated guide:
Compare ADHD assessment providers
Find Care Compare allows patients to explore ADHD assessment providers across NHS Right to Choose and private pathways.
Compare ADHD assessment providersRelated guides
The Complete Guide to NHS Right to Choose
Understand your legal right to choose your NHS provider and how it can reduce waiting times.
NHS ADHD Waiting Times in 2026
A clear guide to the full ADHD pathway — assessment waits, Right to Choose timelines, and how to reduce your wait.
Shared Care Agreements for ADHD
What a shared care agreement is, why GPs decline, and what your options are.
NHS ADHD Diagnosis vs Private: What's the Difference?
Costs, waiting times, medication access and shared care compared across NHS and private pathways.