Service information

Somerset adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) service

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder, which effects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school.

Most cases are diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old.

The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.

In early adulthood, ADHD may be associated with depression, anxiety, mood or conduct disorders and/or substance abuse. Adults with ADHD can often have inconsistent performance at work or in their careers; have difficulties with day-to-day responsibilities; experience relationship problems; and may have chronic feelings of frustration, guilt, or blame. People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as difficulties with sleep.

For adults with possible ADHD, your GP will assess your symptoms and following this can refer you for an assessment to the Adult ADHD Service if:

  • You have not been diagnosed with ADHD, but have had persistent ADHD symptoms since childhood
  • Your symptoms cannot be explained by another mental health condition
  • Your symptoms significantly affect your day-to-day life – for example, if you’re underachieving at work or in education, find maintaining relationships difficult and have problems with sleep.

About us

We are a specialist NHS team consisting of Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Practitioners and a Consultant Psychiatrist. If you are 18 years or over, we can help diagnose ADHD, and, if you do, offer treatment and ongoing annual reviews, as needed. SAAS is primarily an assessment and diagnostic service only, we do not care co-ordinate or manage risk.

How you can access this service

We ask that referrals are completed via your GP, because they will be able to provide an overview of your current circumstances as well as your medical history. A link to both parts of our referral form is in the Useful Resources section at the top right of this page.

Once referred to the service and the referral has been accepted, you will be added to our waiting list. Prior to an assessment clinic appointment being arranged, we will ask you to complete and return some baseline rating scales/questionnaires to aid the process.

As we are a Countywide service, and once fully operational clinics will be held in the Yeovil, Bridgwater, Wells and Taunton. At present, we are undertaking remote assessments via Attend Anywhere, NHS Video Consultation software.

Waiting list

Waiting times for assessment appointments are currently 24+ months. If your referral has been accepted, we will contact you once you are at the top of the list.

Assessment and Diagnosis

When deciding whether someone is appropriate for our service, we will be assessing the referral information provided by your GP in accordance with DSM-V Criteria for ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults cannot be confirmed unless your symptoms have been present since childhood.

Treatment

Treatment for ADHD usually helps to relieve the symptoms, this will then reduce the impact of the condition on day-to-day life. In adults, ADHD treatment primarily involves medication. Psychological therapies particularly for associated mental health conditions can also be of significant benefit, however, are not currently offered by this service.

Assessment and Diagnosis

How will I be diagnosed?
When deciding whether someone is appropriate for our service, we will be assessing the referral information provided by your GP in accordance with DSM-V Criteria for ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults cannot be confirmed unless your symptoms have been present from childhood.

Treatment

Why do I need treatment?
Treatment for ADHD usually helps to relieve the symptoms which then reduce the impact of the condition on day-to-day life. In adults, ADHD treatment primarily involves medication. Psychological therapies particularly for associated mental health conditions can also be of significant benefit.

Accessing this service

How can I access this service
We ask that referrals are completed via your GP, because they will be able to provide an overview of your current situation and medical history. A link to our referral form is in the Resources section at the bottom of this page. Once referred to the service by your GP and the referral has been accepted, you will be added to our waiting list. Prior to an assessment clinic appointment being arranged, we will ask you to complete some baseline rating scales/questionnaires. Clinics will be held in the Yeovil area and when the service is fully operational, clinics will be held in the Bridgwater, Mendip and Taunton areas.

Waiting list

How long will I have to wait?
Waiting times for assessment appointment are currently 12 to 18 months. In certain cases, we may be able to prioritise referrals if there is a strong clinical reason to do so. We would advise referrers to contact us if a person’s circumstances change and they believe that the referral needs to be prioritised.

About us

About our ADHD service
We are a specialist NHS team consisting of nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists and a consultant psychiatrist. If you are 18 years or over, we can help diagnose if you have ADHD, and, if you do, offer treatment and ongoing reviews, if needed.

Contact us

Letter via post
Our postal address is: Somerset Adult ADHD Service Holly Court Summerlands Hospital site Preston Road Yeovil BA20 2BX
Call us
Telephone: 01935 428420
Email us
Referral inbox email: SAAS@somersetFT.nhs.uk