What an ADHD referral letter contains, how to request one, and what to expect from the assessment process
Written by Trevor Sebuliba, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, BSc, MSc, NMP · Reviewed 2026
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK typically starts with a referral letter from a GP or healthcare professional to a specialist ADHD service or psychiatrist. Understanding what this letter needs to include — and how to help your GP write a compelling one — can significantly speed up the process and improve your chances of a prompt assessment.
An ADHD referral letter is a formal clinical document from a referring clinician (usually a GP) to a specialist — such as a consultant psychiatrist, ADHD clinic, or paediatric neurologist — requesting a comprehensive diagnostic assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and, where relevant, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The letter sets out the clinical basis for the referral and provides the specialist with enough background to triage the urgency and book the appropriate assessment.
Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or during conversations. Making careless mistakes at work or in documents. Frequently losing items such as keys, phone, or wallet. Becoming easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts. Avoiding or delaying tasks that require sustained mental effort. Difficulty organising activities, maintaining a tidy workspace, or managing time. Frequently forgetting daily obligations or appointments.
Fidgeting, tapping, or difficulty remaining seated in situations where it is expected. Feeling restless or "driven by a motor" internally even if physical hyperactivity is not visible. Difficulty waiting in queues or for a turn in conversation. Interrupting others or completing sentences before they have finished. Impulsive spending, risk-taking, or decision-making without considering consequences.
Difficulty interpreting social cues, facial expressions, or sarcasm. Preference for predictable routines and strong distress when routines are disrupted. Sensory sensitivities to noise, light, texture, or smell. Difficulty with small talk or maintaining reciprocal conversation. Deep, focused interests in specific topics. Challenges with executive functioning and mental flexibility.
Start by booking a GP appointment specifically to discuss ADHD symptoms. Come prepared with written notes — GPs have limited time, and a concise summary of your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your daily life will be more effective than trying to explain verbally in the moment.
Under NICE guideline NG87 (updated 2018), GPs should refer adults to a specialist ADHD service if the patient presents with significant symptoms consistent with ADHD that cause impairment. If your GP is hesitant, you can mention this guideline and request a referral or second opinion.
NHS ADHD assessments are free but waiting times in many parts of England currently range from 12 months to 5 years or more. If you need an assessment sooner, private ADHD clinics typically offer appointments within weeks to a few months. The diagnostic process is the same — using DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria — and a private diagnosis is recognised by NHS GPs for prescribing ADHD medication through a shared care agreement.
The cost of a private ADHD assessment in the UK typically ranges from £500 to £1,500 depending on the provider and whether it includes ASD assessment. Some providers offer payment plans.
Under the NHS Constitution, you have the right to choose your provider for outpatient services. You can ask your GP to refer you to any NHS ADHD service in England, not just the one in your local area. This means you could potentially access a service with a shorter waiting list in another CCG or ICB area.
Some ADHD services also accept self-referrals directly from adults without a GP letter, though requirements vary by provider.
HealthLens can generate an AI-drafted formal ADHD/ASD referral letter based on your individual symptom profile, history, and clinical details. The letter is written in clinical language, structured in the standard UK specialist referral format, and covers all the key domains required by NICE guidelines.
Important: The letter generated by HealthLens is a draft that must be reviewed, personalised, and signed by your GP or other registered clinician before use. It is designed to assist — not replace — the clinical judgement of a healthcare professional. Many patients find it useful to bring a HealthLens-drafted letter to their GP appointment as a structured summary of their presentation.
Answer a few questions about your symptoms and history, and HealthLens will produce a formal clinical referral letter draft — ready for your GP to review and sign.
Generate My ADHD Referral Letter — £10