Important Information
Recent changes to national regulations mean that GPs are now permitted to assess, diagnose, and treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
After careful consideration, our practice has decided that we will not be offering ADHD assessments or diagnoses at this time.
This decision reflects our commitment to providing safe, high-quality care for all patients and to using our limited clinical resources fairly and responsibly.
Why we are not offering ADHD assessments
- ADHD assessment requires specialist-level training and guidance
Although regulations have changed, there is currently limited practical guidance, training pathways, and standardised tools to support GPs to safely and consistently conduct ADHD assessments in primary care.
Without adequate training and support to meet best-practice standards, we believe it would not be responsible to offer this service.
- Best-practice ADHD assessments are complex and time-consuming
A high-quality ADHD assessment typically involves:
- Detailed clinical interviews
- Collateral history (often from family, school, or workplace)
- Screening for alternative or co-existing conditions
- Careful risk assessment
- Thorough documentation
This process usually requires multiple long appointments. Providing assessments at this standard would be time-intensive and potentially costly for patients.
- Offering ADHD assessments would reduce access for other patients
GP appointment time is a limited resource. Offering ADHD assessments would:
- Significantly reduce appointment availability
- Increase wait times
- Limit access for urgent and routine medical care
This would negatively affect equity and access for our wider enrolled population, which we are committed to protecting.
- ADHD assessment and management is an evolving area
The role of GPs in ADHD diagnosis and treatment is still developing, and national models of care continue to evolve.
At present, we believe ADHD assessment is best provided by services with dedicated expertise, time, and resources to deliver comprehensive assessment and ongoing care.
What we can help with
Although we do not offer ADHD assessments, we can:
- Discuss your symptoms and concerns
- Assess and manage related issues such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or stress
- Provide referrals to appropriate specialist or private assessment services where available
- Support your general health care alongside specialist ADHD treatment
Will this change in the future?
We will continue to monitor national guidance, training opportunities, and models of care.
If circumstances change and we are confident we can provide ADHD assessments safely and equitably, we will review this decision.
Thank you for your understanding
We appreciate that this may be disappointing. Our responsibility is to provide safe, fair, and sustainable care for all our patients, and this decision reflects that commitment.
If you would like to discuss your concerns, please book an appointment with your GP.
Kind regards,
Henderson Medical Centre
