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Can My Regular Doctor Diagnose ADHD or Do I Need a Psychiatrist? 

PostedOctober 15, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

When seeking an ADHD diagnosis doctor, many people wonder whether their GP can provide one or if they need to see a specialist. The answer depends on your location, the complexity of your symptoms, and your doctor’s training. In some areas, GPs can assess and diagnose ADHD, especially in adults, while in others, a referral to a psychiatrist or specialist is required. 

In a GP vs psychiatrist ADHD comparison, GPs often act as the first step in the diagnostic process. They can evaluate your concerns, rule out other conditions, and refer you for further assessment if needed. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are more specialised and often handle more complex cases or situations where symptoms overlap with other mental health conditions. 

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD

Who Can Assess and Diagnose ADHD? 

Understanding who can assess ADHD helps you make the right decision about where to start. 

GPs and General Practitioners 

Some GPs, especially those with mental health experience, can make an ADHD diagnosis doctor based. Others may refer you to a specialist for confirmation. 

Psychiatrists 

Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and manage ADHD, particularly when symptoms are severe, long-standing, or accompanied by other conditions. 

Specialist Clinics 

In some cases, ADHD clinics or community mental health teams offer structured assessments carried out by a team of professionals. 

Whichever route you take, starting the conversation with your GP is a practical first step toward getting the support you need. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to How to talk to doctors or get assessed. 

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD
Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Harriet Winslow, BSc
Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.