How to Ask Your GP for an ADHD Assessment

Your opening statement sets the tone. Here's a template:

"I've been researching my symptoms and I believe I may have ADHD. I've noticed patterns in my life that match ADHD descriptions - particularly [mention 2-3 of your most significant symptoms]. These have been affecting me for [time period] and I'd like to be referred to a specialist for a formal assessment."

This framing is important. You're not asking your GP's opinion on whether you have ADHD. You're telling them you want an assessment. The GP's job is to decide whether a referral is justified - not to diagnose or dismiss you.

Describe the impact on daily life. GPs respond better to impact than to symptoms. Say: "My time blindness means I'm regularly late to work and have been disciplined twice" rather than "I lose track of time." Say: "My executive dysfunction means I can't start tasks even when they're urgent, and I've missed deadlines at work" rather than "I procrastinate."

Mention duration and childhood. ADHD is a lifelong condition. If you can, mention when you first remember struggling: "I think I've always been this way - I remember as a child struggling to sit still in school" or "looking back at my school reports, there were comments about being easily distracted." This strengthens your case massively.

Then explicitly say: "I'd like to use my Right to Choose and be referred to an ADHD assessment provider. I understand this is my statutory right under Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006."

This second statement is crucial. Mentioning Right to Choose immediately signals that you know your rights and you're not asking for anything extraordinary - you're asking for something you're entitled to.

"Everyone struggles with concentration." Response: "I understand, but my difficulty is affecting my work and relationships significantly. I'm not looking for your diagnosis - I'm asking for a referral to a specialist who can do a proper assessment. That's their job, not yours."

"You did well at school/university, so you probably don't have ADHD." Response: "ADHD and academic success aren't mutually exclusive, especially in people who mask. I compensated through effort, but it's become harder to keep doing that as life has become more complex. An assessment will give me answers."

"You're too old for ADHD diagnosis." Response: "ADHD is lifelong and diagnosis is valid at any age. NICE guidelines (CG87) explicitly support adult diagnosis. You're thinking of outdated criteria that assumed ADHD only affected children."

"I don't know how Right to Choose works." Response: "That's okay. Basically, I want an ADHD assessment and you're entitled to refer me to a specialist provider of my choice. Psychiatry-UK, Clinical Partners, and ADHD 360 all take NHS Right to Choose referrals. I can tell you more about it, or you can check the NHS England Right to Choose page." [Offer to leave them written information.]

"We need to try other things first - maybe therapy or lifestyle changes." Response: "I'm happy to pursue those, but they don't prevent me from getting an assessment. An assessment will clarify whether ADHD is the issue. I'd like both - a referral AND to explore other options."

"You're not hyperactive enough." Response: "ADHD has three presentations - inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. I think I have the inattentive presentation, where hyperactivity shows as internal restlessness rather than visible behavior. Clinicians are trained to recognize all three."

Some GPs still refuse. This is frustrating but not the end of the road. Here's what to do:

Ask them to document the refusal. Say: "If you're declining to refer me, I'd like that documented in my medical record." This creates accountability and often changes their mind. Put it in writing too - email them after the appointment: "I asked for an ADHD assessment referral today and was declined. I'd like this refusal documented in my records as discussed."

Request a second opinion. Ask to see another GP at the same practice. Some practices are more progressive than others. A different GP might be more supportive.

Switch GP practices. You have the right to register with any practice accepting patients in your area. If your current GP is unsupportive, moving to a practice with a better reputation for ADHD referrals can be the simplest solution.

Contact your Integrated Care Board (ICB). Each NHS region has an ICB that oversees commissioning. You can complain that your GP has refused a clinically appropriate referral. They take Right to Choose refusals seriously.

Use Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). PALS is the patient advocacy arm of NHS trusts. They can investigate complaints about GP care and pressure your practice to reconsider.

Go private or self-refer if necessary. If your GP absolutely won't cooperate, you can pay privately to get assessed (£600-1200) or some private providers accept self-referrals. This is frustrating when you're entitled to NHS funding, but it's sometimes quicker than fighting with an obstructive GP.

Once your GP refers you, what happens next depends on the provider.

If using Right to Choose: Your GP enters the referral into the NHS system. You'll typically get a letter or email with a reference ID and instructions to choose a provider. You'll contact your chosen provider (Psychiatry-UK, Clinical Partners, etc.) directly or they'll contact you.

Timeline: It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the provider to contact you after your GP has referred. Then they'll send you a questionnaire and book an appointment. Total time from referral to assessment: 8-16 weeks depending on the provider.

If going private: You'll contact the provider directly or they'll contact you if your GP sends a referral letter. Timelines are typically 4-8 weeks.

Keep checking your email. Sounds obvious, but many people miss appointments or follow-up messages because they didn't see the email. Check your spam folder too - provider emails sometimes end up there.

Prepare for the questionnaire. Most providers send a detailed form before your assessment appointment. Taking time to complete it thoroughly makes the assessment much more effective. The provider uses your answers to focus the conversation.

Once your assessment is complete: You'll get a written report with diagnosis (or not) and recommendations. If ADHD is diagnosed and you're interested in medication, your specialist starts the titration process. After you're stable (usually 3 months), your GP takes over prescribing.

Q: What if my GP says they need to rule out other things first? A: A full assessment with a specialist will rule out other things. ADHD assessment includes checks for thyroid problems, anemia, sleep disorders, and other conditions that can mimic ADHD. You don't need your GP to do all that first.

Q: Can I bring someone to my GP appointment for support? A: Yes. You can bring a partner, family member, or friend. Tell the practice when you book. They can sit in and help you remember points or provide additional perspective on your childhood.

Q: My GP says our practice doesn't do Right to Choose. Is that true? A: No. Every GP practice is contractually obliged to process Right to Choose referrals if clinically indicated. If your GP claims they don't, escalate to the practice manager or your ICB.

Q: How do I know if I should pursue private assessment instead? A: Consider private if you need a quicker assessment, if your NHS wait is already long, or if you want a specialist provider. NHS Right to Choose is free - private costs £600-1200. Financially, free is usually better if you can wait 8-16 weeks.