How to talk to your GP about ADHD

For many adults who suspect they have ADHD, the GP appointment is the biggest obstacle. Not because GPs are unhelpful, but because ADHD is a condition that hides well — and a ten-minute appointment favours those who know how to present it.

Don't describe how you cope — describe what it costs

The most common mistake people make is describing their compensatory strategies rather than their underlying difficulties. 'I make lots of lists' sounds organised. What the GP needs to hear is: 'Without lists I miss appointments, forget to pay bills, and have nearly lost jobs. Maintaining these systems takes so much energy that by the evening I'm completely depleted.'

Describe the impact on real areas of your life: work, relationships, finances, sleep, self-esteem. Be specific about incidents, not just general tendencies.

Mention that symptoms have been lifelong

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition — by definition, its roots go back to childhood. Even if you weren't diagnosed then, and even if you coped reasonably well, tell your GP that these patterns have been present your whole life. This is clinically significant and distinguishes ADHD from conditions that develop in response to adult stress.

Bring something written

A short written summary — even a page — of your key symptoms and their real-world impact is far more effective than trying to articulate everything in the moment. If you've completed the ADHD Mirror assessment, the GP export gives you a structured, clinically-framed summary you can hand over or read from directly.

Know your rights

In England, the Right to Choose pathway means you can request a referral to any CQC-registered ADHD service, not just your local NHS provider. This can reduce waiting times significantly. You can mention this by name if your GP is unfamiliar with it.

If the first appointment doesn't go well

You can request a second opinion, see a different GP at the same practice, or self-refer privately. A single appointment that doesn't result in a referral is not the end of the road. Many people with ADHD have to advocate persistently — which is, in itself, a particular kind of cruelty given that persistence and self-advocacy are among the things ADHD makes hardest.

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