Will My GP Accept a Private ADHD Diagnosis for Shared Care?

The honest answer is that it depends. This guide explains why GPs make different decisions, what they usually look for, and why NHS shared care after a private diagnosis can't be guaranteed.

It helps to separate two questions.

Will my GP accept the diagnosis? In many cases, yes. A detailed report from a qualified specialist can be added to your medical record. This can help with things like support at work, school or university, and understanding your health more widely.

Will my GP prescribe ADHD medication? This is a different decision. ADHD medicines are specialist medicines, and GPs don't usually start them. Instead, a specialist starts and adjusts the medication first. A GP may then take over prescribing under a shared care agreement, but only if they agree to.

So even when a GP fully accepts a private diagnosis, they may still decide not to take on prescribing.

Shared care is voluntary. GPs are responsible for every prescription they sign, so they need to feel confident that the medication is safe and appropriate, and that they have the right support in place.

A GP may decline shared care if:

• they don't feel they have the expertise to manage that medication
• they don't have enough information about the assessment or treatment
• the specialist can't provide ongoing reviews and advice
• local policies don't support shared care with that provider

Declining isn't a judgement about you or your diagnosis. It's about whether the GP feels the arrangement is safe and workable.

Every GP and local area is different, but GPs are more likely to consider shared care when:

• The assessment was carried out by a qualified specialist, such as a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD clinician registered with the appropriate professional body.
• It followed recognised standards, using DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria and NICE guidelines.
• There's a detailed written report, explaining how the diagnosis was reached, including childhood history and how ADHD affects daily life.
• Medication was started and titrated by a specialist, with the dose now stable.
• Monitoring is clearly set out, including checks such as heart rate, blood pressure and weight.
• The specialist will stay involved, with regular reviews and advice if problems come up.
• The provider is registered with the relevant regulator, such as the Care Quality Commission in England.

A clear, thorough report doesn't guarantee shared care, but it gives your GP the information they need to make a decision.

Many GP decisions are shaped by local NHS policies, set by the organisations that plan and fund health services in your area. These policies may:

• have a shared care protocol for ADHD medication in adults, children, or both
• only support shared care with NHS or NHS-funded services
• ask GPs not to enter shared care with private providers
• require an NHS specialist to review the diagnosis first

This means two people with similar private reports can get different answers, simply because they live in different areas or use different GP practices.

Policies can also be different in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and they can change over time.

Because shared care depends on individual GPs and local policies, no private provider can promise that your GP will agree to it. If a provider tells you shared care is guaranteed, it's worth asking how they can be sure.

If your GP declines shared care, you may be able to:

• continue getting prescriptions privately, which usually means ongoing costs for medication and reviews
• ask your GP to refer you to an NHS ADHD service, although this may involve a wait and sometimes a further assessment
• in England, ask about Right to Choose, which may let you choose an NHS-funded ADHD provider
• ask your GP to explain their decision, and whether anything would change it

Speaking to your GP practice before you start can save surprises later. You might ask:

• Do you accept private ADHD diagnoses on the medical record?
• Do you enter shared care for ADHD medication after private treatment?
• Is there a local policy on shared care with private providers?
• If not, what would you suggest instead?

It's also worth asking any private provider what happens if your GP declines, and what ongoing costs you might face.

Raiys doesn't currently prescribe ADHD medication, so we don't offer titration or shared care agreements ourselves.

After your assessment, you'll receive a detailed written report, usually within 14 days, which you can share with your GP. If you'd like to explore medication, your GP can talk through next steps. This may include a referral to an NHS ADHD service, which may want to carry out its own review before starting treatment.

A diagnosis can still be valuable on its own. It can help you understand yourself or your child, access support at school, college or work, and use BeChange, our digital programme for building practical, everyday strategies.

Raiys works nationwide, offering online ADHD assessments for adults and for children and young people aged 5 to 17 across the UK. Our experienced, specialist ADHD team follows NICE guidelines and provides a clear, detailed report designed to be shared with your GP.

If you're in crisis right now, call 999, go to A&E, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time of day or night.

Ready to take the next step? Find out more about our adult ADHD assessment or child ADHD assessment.

Knowing how GP decisions are made can't guarantee a particular outcome. But it can help you plan ahead, ask the right questions, and choose the route that works best for you.