What to Say to Your GP About ADHD
Many people struggle to explain ADHD symptoms to their GP. Here are exact scripts and examples that work, plus how to handle common pushback.
Opening Script
"I think I have ADHD. I've struggled with focus, time management, and organization for most of my life. It's affecting my work/studies/relationships. I'd like a referral to a psychiatrist for assessment."
Be direct. GPs see dozens of patients daily. Clear requests get better responses than vague concerns.
Evidence to Bring (Written List)
Prepare a one-page list showing:
- Childhood evidence: school reports mentioning "easily distracted," "talks too much," "struggles to sit still," or low grades despite ability
- Current symptoms: Examples: "I miss deadlines even with reminders," "I start tasks but don't finish," "I lose things constantly," "I can hyperfocus on interesting tasks but can't start boring ones"
- Impact: "This affects my job/school/relationships because..."
- Previous mental health support: "I've ruled out depression/anxiety because..."
Concrete examples matter more than general statements. "I was asked to leave two jobs due to missed deadlines" is stronger than "I struggle at work."
Specific Phrases That Work
- "My symptoms match the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD" (shows you've researched)
- "These symptoms have been present since childhood" (key for diagnosis)
- "Multiple areas of life are affected: work, relationships, and self-care" (shows severity)
- "I'd like to explore Right to Choose options if NHS waiting times are long" (shows you understand the system)
Handling GP Pushback
GP: "You don't look like you have ADHD; you're doing well at work."
Response: "ADHD presents differently in different people. Many adults develop coping strategies that mask symptoms. I'm succeeding despite spending 3x longer on tasks. Assessment will clarify whether this is ADHD."
GP: "ADHD is overdiagnosed. Have you considered depression instead?"
Response: "I'm open to exploring that. However, I had these focus and attention issues before any mood problems started, and they persist regardless of mood. A specialist assessment will distinguish between them."
GP: "We have a 3-year waiting list. You'll have to wait."
Response: "I understand. I'd like to use Right to Choose to access a private provider through NHS funding. Can you refer me to Psychiatry-UK or ADHD360?"
GP: "There's no budget for Right to Choose."
Response: "Right to Choose is a guaranteed NHS right. The referral is funded centrally, not from practice budget. I'd like to proceed with the referral." (Ask for practice manager if needed.)
What Not to Say
- "I think I might have ADHD" — too tentative. Say "I believe I have ADHD."
- "My friend has ADHD and I'm similar" — GPs dislike diagnostic suggestions from non-medical sources.
- "I just want medication" — This makes GPs suspicious. Focus on diagnosis and support.
- "I read on the internet..." — Avoid dismissing your own research, but don't lead with it.
Before Your Appointment
Complete the ADHD Screener and print your results. Show them to your GP. This demonstrates symptom severity and gives doctors concrete metrics.
If Your GP Refuses
Ask in writing for the clinical reason for refusal. Request a second opinion from another GP at the practice or switch practices. Document everything. Right to Choose is legally protected; persistent refusal should be escalated to NHS England patient advocacy.
After Your GP Appointment
Whether approved or not, thank your GP for their time. If approved, ask when you should expect referral paperwork and what to do if you don't hear from the provider after 3 weeks. If refused, ask for written documentation and consider switching GPs if your current one is unsupportive.
Persistence and professionalism work. Difficult GPs are not representative. The right GP will take your concerns seriously.
References
- NICE Guideline 72: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (2024)
- DSM-5-TR: Diagnostic criteria for ADHD (2022)
- NHS Right to Choose: Patient information (2024)
- British Psychological Society: ADHD diagnostic practice guidelines (2021)
- Patient feedback analysis: Common GP objections and evidence-based responses (2025)