What Your GP Is Assessing
When you ask your GP about ADHD, they are not diagnosing you. GPs do not diagnose ADHD - that is done by a specialist. What your GP is assessing is whether a referral for a specialist assessment is clinically appropriate.
To make this decision, your GP will consider:
- Your symptoms - do they align with recognised ADHD presentations (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined)?
- Duration - have symptoms been present since childhood (before age 12)?
- Impact - are symptoms significantly affecting your daily life, work, relationships, or mental health?
- Alternative explanations - could symptoms be better explained by another condition (e.g., anxiety, depression, thyroid issues)?
Your GP is not looking for certainty. They are looking for sufficient evidence that a specialist assessment is warranted.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Preparation makes a significant difference. GPs have limited appointment time - typically 10 to 15 minutes - so being organised helps you communicate your concerns clearly.
Before your appointment:
What to bring:
- A written list of your symptoms and their impact
- Completed ASRS screening form (optional but helpful)
- Any school reports or childhood evidence you have
- Notes on family history of ADHD (if applicable)
- The name of your preferred Right to Choose provider (if using this route)
Template Script: What to Say to Your GP
Below is a template script you can adapt for your GP appointment. You do not need to read it word-for-word - use it as a framework.
This script covers the key points your GP needs to hear: symptoms, duration, impact, and your preferred referral route.
What to Do If Your GP Refuses
If your GP declines to refer you, do not panic. There are several steps you can take:
In most cases, a well-prepared appointment with clear evidence is sufficient to secure a referral.
After the Referral
Once your GP agrees to refer you:
- Right to Choose: The GP sends your referral to your chosen provider via e-RS or email. Most providers will contact you within 2 to 4 weeks to arrange your assessment.
- NHS pathway: Your referral joins the local NHS waiting list. Waiting times vary significantly by area.
While waiting, you may want to read about what happens during an ADHD assessment so you know what to expect.
Use Our Right to Choose Eligibility Checker
Our free Right to Choose Eligibility Checker tells you in under 60 seconds whether you are eligible. It includes a downloadable GP referral script tailored to your situation.
You can also compare ADHD providers and waiting times across England on Find Care Compare, and learn more about the legal framework in our guide: What is the Right to Choose?
Frequently asked questions
A GP can decline a referral if they do not believe it is clinically appropriate. However, they cannot refuse your choice of provider if they agree a referral is warranted. If refused, ask for their reasoning in writing, and consider requesting a second opinion from another GP at the practice.
School reports are helpful but not essential. They can provide evidence of childhood symptoms, which is part of the diagnostic criteria. If you do not have school reports, other forms of evidence - such as statements from family members or personal recollections of childhood difficulties - can be used instead.
Once your GP agrees to refer you, the referral itself should be processed within 1 to 2 weeks. If using Right to Choose, most providers will contact you within 2 to 4 weeks to arrange an assessment. NHS pathway referrals are subject to local waiting times, which can be years.
Check your Right to Choose eligibility
Find out in under 60 seconds whether you may qualify for NHS Right to Choose. Includes a GP referral script to support your ADHD referral discussion.
Start eligibility checkWritten by Find Care Compare
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