Referrals, one step at a time
NHS ADHD assessment FAQs
Clear answers for your next conversation with your GP.
Independent information from Clairemind, not an NHS service, a diagnosis or personal medical advice. This page focuses on adult assessment; local arrangements vary across the UK. Right to Choose below applies to England.
❓ Getting an ADHD assessment
How do I ask my GP about an ADHD assessment?
Book an appointment if difficulties with attention, restlessness or impulsivity affect your work, studies or relationships. Describe what happens and its impact. Your GP can consider possible explanations and whether a specialist referral is appropriate. Clairemind helps you prepare; it cannot make an NHS referral.
Source: NHS: ADHD in adults
Do I need a positive screening result or a childhood diagnosis?
You can speak to your GP without either. A screening result may help you reflect, but cannot diagnose ADHD or guarantee referral. Adults whose difficulties were not recognised earlier can seek help; the GP and specialist still consider childhood history and current difficulties.
Source: NICE NG87: Recommendations
What information or paperwork may help?
Bring a few everyday examples, relevant health history and your medicine list. Childhood information or school reports may help. If these are unavailable, tell the service and ask about alternatives. Ask your GP and receiving service which forms they need: instructions vary, and no Clairemind template is required.
Source: NHS: ADHD in adults
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
A specialist considers your development, mental health and everyday experiences, including childhood and life now. They may seek information from someone who knows you well. Questionnaires alone cannot diagnose ADHD. An assessment may lead to an ADHD diagnosis, another explanation or a need for more information; a diagnosis or medication is not guaranteed.
Source: NICE NG87: Recommendations
How long will I wait, and how long is the appointment?
Waiting time and appointment length are different. Waiting times vary by service. NICE does not set one universal appointment duration. Ask the service what the assessment includes, whether more than one appointment may be needed and what its current waiting information covers.
Source: NICE NG87: Recommendations
❓ Right to Choose in England
What is Right to Choose for an ADHD assessment?
In England, you usually have a right to choose an eligible NHS provider when referred for a first specialist appointment. Your GP first considers whether a referral is clinically appropriate. NHS choice rules and exceptions apply; it is not a route to a guaranteed diagnosis.
Does Right to Choose apply across the UK?
The NHS Choice Framework described here applies to England, not Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Ask your GP about the assessment and choice arrangements in your own nation rather than assuming the England pathway applies.
Is the assessment NHS-funded, or do I pay privately?
An agreed NHS-funded referral is not a self-funded private assessment, even if the organisation also offers private care. Confirm that the appointment is on its NHS pathway before accepting it. Do not book privately assuming it will become NHS-funded later; ask separately about follow-up and treatment.
Source: NHS: Your choices in the NHS
How do I discuss a Right to Choose referral with my GP?
Start with your symptoms and their impact. If your GP decides to refer you, discuss eligible NHS services and your preference at the referral stage. Ask your practice and chosen service for current referral instructions, and how you will know the referral has been sent.
Source: NHS: Your choices in the NHS
Does choosing a provider guarantee a shorter wait?
No. Waiting times vary by service. Ask the provider for current information and whether it refers to assessment or later treatment; this page cannot promise a shorter wait or a particular appointment date.
Source: NHS: ADHD in adults
What should I check about the provider and follow-up?
Check with your GP and the service that it meets the NHS choice rules for the ADHD care you need, including the relevant NHS contract and clinical requirements. Offering private appointments alone does not establish eligibility. Ask how appointments work, what follow-up is included and how the service communicates with your GP.