Yesterday I received my ADHD report from Skylight Psychiatry who I was referred to as a ‘Right to Choose’ provider on the NHS. I thought that it would be helpful to break down what the report contains and help people to understand the process.
It needs to be considered that providers may use similar tools but will approach the assessment differently so this is valid for the provider mentioned but gives an insight into how it all works.
When the GP referred me I had to fill in forms that gave some background to Skylight about why I might have ADHD and then upon receipt of referral they contacted me for supporting information. My partner provided a report on what it’s like to live with me which helped add more context for the assessment.
For the assessment itself, it took about 80 minutes on a video call with the trained assessor who has a speech and language background. She observed me during the call not just for my answers to the structured interview questions but also for speech patterns, body language etc.
At the end of the assessment I was told that i’d scored 9 out of 9 for the inattentive aspect of ADHD and 5 out of 9 for the hyperactive/impulsive part. I was asked how I felt about this, I didn’t hear the words “you have ADHD”.
Fast forward around four weeks and I received a comprehensive report and a booklet produced by the ADHD foundation (who closed at the end of August 2025) which is very helpful. I can choose to forward the report to my GP if I want and can get added onto a waiting list for medication. There is a lot of advice about lifestyle changes that can help me and other measures such as ADHD coaching, therapy etc.
The outcome that is detailed at the top of the 30 page report is as follows:
Diagnostic Outcome
Michael Wright met the diagnostic criteria for DSM V 314.00
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (314.01 Combined
Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation) –
(moderate – severe)
The full assessment concluded that Michael Wright has
ADHD.
So there it is in black and white, and it is more than helpful to see the diagnosis.
The report goes on to outline the process followed:
Assessment Process:
The ADHD Assessment follows NICE guidance NG87 and the DSM-5 diagnostic
criteria. This is a multidisciplinary assessment involving pre-assessment
questionnaires and screening tools, collateral informant information, clinical
assessment, review of psychosocial history, mental health and comorbidities, and
structured diagnostic interview using the DIVA 5.0 tool. Multidisciplinary
approaches are utilised from the point of referral to diagnostic conclusion.
Questionnaires and screening tools used include AQ-10, ASRS, HADS, Emotional
Quotient, Sensory Profile and CAT-Q. Further information about these
questionnaires and screening tools are provided within pre-diagnostic support
information and in Appendix E.
What follows are recommendations for next steps aimed at myself but with aspects highly useful for others:
Diagnostic Outcome:
Michael Wright meets DSM-5 criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Combined Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Recommendations:
These recommendations are specific to Michael Wright and rely on the
information gathered from their assessment and from NICE clinical guidance
NG87:
Recommendations for GP: –
We have provided post-diagnostic support information including
psychoeducation and treatment options and will await to hear back from
Michael before we can progress with treatment. Michael remains under
our care in the meantime.
Recommendations for Michael:
Dear Michael,
Receiving a diagnosis can be an important moment in understanding yourself
better and also bring up many emotions. We recommend taking time to read this
report and process the information at your own pace. Sometimes the
recommendations can feel overwhelming however the recommendations below
are here to support you — there’s no rush.
There are number of additional resources and information available through
various charities and services, podcasts, books and literature which you can
research online.
Our recommendations are specific to you as below:
- Learn more about ADHD (Psychoeducation): Understanding ADHD is the
first step in making changes that support you. Learning how ADHD affects
your attention, organisation, memory, and emotions will help you
recognise your strengths and challenges. Share this knowledge with those
close to you so they can support you better.
Reliable information is available from ADHD UK, a registered charity which
you can access via this link ADHD UK – Homepage – ADHD UK. We also send
more information to you about ADHD and the treatment options, for you
to consider. - Healthy Lifestyle and Environmental changes: Small, consistent changes
to your lifestyle can have a big impact on how ADHD feels day to day. This
is about building structure, reducing stress, and finding what helps you feel
in control. Consider how you might adjust your routines, sleep, diet, and
implementing exercise, schedules, diaries and reminders to support you. – – – –
Sleep: Aim for consistent sleep and wake times, avoid caffeine late in the
day, and use calming routines before bed.
Exercise: Regular activity can help with focus and mood.
Diet: Balanced meals with steady energy release; avoid excess sugar if it
worsens symptoms.
Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. - Consider Psychological Support:
Practical and emotional strategies can make a difference alongside, or
instead of, medication. – – –
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD is designed to
help with organisation, time management, and managing emotions. You
can find the local NHS Talking Therapies to help you through a google
search ‘NHS talking therapies + the area that you live’ and request a
therapist with ADHD experience.
Ask your GP about skills groups, or ADHD coaching or you can look at the
ADHD UK charity website listed above.
Look into NHS Talking Therapies and request a therapist with ADHD
experience. - Explore medication if it feels right for you
Medication is an effective option for many adults with ADHD. It’s a
personal decision, and it works best when combined with self
management strategies. We have provided you with information within
the booklet that outlines medication and if you choose to start medication,
we will need to arrange a physical examination before your first
appointment where we will discuss the medication options in detail. It is
your decision entirely as to whether you should start medication.
Medication choice and dosing are tailored to you and reviewed regularly.
Your GP may be able to support with the cardiovascular checks before you
start medication, but this would need to be confirmed with your GP.
If you want to start medication, please ensure to complete our
Medication Titration request link that is sent in the email with your final
report.
If you have any further questions please email the team at:
help@skylightpsychiatry.co.uk
- Reasonable adjustments in education and the workplace:
Under the Equality Act 2010, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition
that can be recognised as a disability. This means you have a legal right to
request reasonable adjustments in the workplace, in education settings,
and when accessing public services (including healthcare). Reasonable
adjustments are changes that help remove barriers you may face — for
example:
Changes to your working environment (quiet space, flexible hours, clearer
communication)
Extra time or alternative formats in education
Advance notice or sensory-friendly adaptations for appointments
Employers, universities, schools, and public services are legally required to
consider these adjustments.
You do not need to consider yourself “disabled” to be eligible — your diagnosis itself entitles you to support.
You may wish to explore an Access to Work referral
(https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work) for any current or future
employment.
- Make use of technology and apps
Digital tools can help with planning, organisation, and staying on track. The
right app for you is the one you will actually use, so try a few and see
which fits your style. – – – –
To do list or Microsoft To Do for task lists and reminders.
Google Calendar for scheduling with alerts.
Forest for focus sessions that limit phone distractions.
Notion or Evernote for organising notes and projects. - Look after your overall wellbeing
ADHD often coexists with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or
autism. Recognising and addressing changes in mood, sleep, or wellbeing
can help you stay healthy and supported. – –
Speak to your GP if new difficulties arise.
Consider regular check-ins with a trusted friend, family member, or
therapist. - Connect with others
Meeting people who share similar experiences can help you feel
understood and give you practical ideas.
Join ADHD UK forums, local support groups, or reputable online
communities. - Know where to turn in a crisis
If you ever feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or at risk of harming yourself, help is
available. –
Contact your GP, NHS 111, or the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7). - Know your rights when driving
If you have ADHD, there may be circumstances where you must inform the
DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) about your diagnosis —
especially if your symptoms, or any medication side effects, affect your
ability to drive safely.
In the UK, you must tell the DVLA if you have ADHD and it impacts your
driving. (Only if your ADHD affects your driving). Failing to notify can
result in a fine and may invalidate your insurance.
You can check the latest guidance and complete a medical notification
form here: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and driving –
GOV.UK
Then there are the appendices which make up a lot of the report with narrative responses to the criteria and tests as to whether each response meets the diagnostic criteria or not.
List of Appendices:
Appendix A: Clinical Assessment
Appendix B: DIVA 5.0 Assessment Scoring
Appendix C: Details of Questionnaires and Screening Tools Used in Your
Assessment
So the key now is to access support and remain curious about working with ADHD, helping myself and others to understand it at home and work.
My hyper-fixated state pre-Christmas meant that I devoted a lot of time to building up the http://www.hyperfocused.co.uk website and social media presence and I now need to keep it going but take a step back. I will work with my therapist and ADHD coach to establish how I want my life to look and how things may change. I need to get the right balance between my home and work life but also ensure that any areas I devote time to get the best of me and not at the expense of another area.
Let’s keep going!
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