How to talk to your GP about ADHD
GP appointments are short, and if you have ADHD-type difficulties, it is easy to arrive, forget half of what you meant to say, and leave feeling unheard. A little preparation can help.
Before the appointment, write a short list of the main ways your difficulties affect you. Use everyday examples: missed deadlines, lost jobs, money problems from impulsive spending, struggling to keep the house running, or friendships strained by forgetfulness. Note how long these have been going on, and anything you remember from childhood, such as school reports.
If you have completed a screening questionnaire, bring it along. If a partner, parent or close friend can describe what they notice, their view can be helpful too.
When you are in the room, it is fine to read from your notes. You might start with: “I would like to talk about whether I could have ADHD, and whether a referral for an assessment would be appropriate.” That makes the purpose clear from the start.
Your GP may ask about your mood, sleep, alcohol use and physical health, to rule out other explanations. This is normal and not a sign they are dismissing you.
If you are referred, ask how long the wait is likely to be, and whether you have any choice about where you are assessed. In England, you may have options under the NHS “Right to Choose”.
If the conversation does not go as you hoped, you are entitled to ask for a second opinion. In the meantime, you do not need a diagnosis to start building practical support around the things you find hard.