Somerset Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service

On this page you will find information about ADHD, details about our team, guidance on how to access the service and support resources.

We know that lots of people are waiting a long time for ADHD appointments. We understand that waiting can be difficult and frustrating. We are working hard to help as many people as we can and to make waiting times shorter.

We are happy to tell you about CONNECTPlus, a free app for people who would like to learn more about ADHD. It is available for individuals experiencing symptoms of ADHD across Somerset. The app can help you by:

• learning more about ADHD
• finding ways to stay organised
• helping with focus and attention
• giving tips for everyday tasks, including managing money
• sharing trusted information about ADHD
• explaining how ADHD services work in Somerset.

We are a very small team helping people all across Somerset.

Our team includes:

• a consultant psychiatrist
• specialist nurses
• a clinical lead
• administrators.

Some of our nurses can also prescribe ADHD medicines.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects how a person’s brain develops and works. It starts in childhood and, for many people, continues into adult life.

An ADHD assessment may be helpful if someone has had symptoms of ADHD before they were 12 years old and those symptoms still affect their everyday life. ADHD symptoms can include:

• finding it hard to pay attention or stay focused
• being very active or restless
• acting quickly without thinking first.

These symptoms can affect different parts of life, such as:

• school, college, or learning
• work
• friendships and relationships
• home and family life.

ADHD does not start for the first time in adulthood. However, some adults may only realise later in life that they have had ADHD symptoms since childhood because they were never assessed or diagnosed when they were younger.

People with ADHD may:

• find it hard to pay attention
• forget things easily
• feel very busy or restless
• act before thinking
• find organising things difficult.

Some people with ADHD may also have other difficulties with their mental health and wellbeing.

Many people use social media every day. It can help people learn about ADHD and feel less alone. But not everything on social media is true or correct. Some information may be wrong.

People often share their own stories about ADHD. These stories are important, but everyone is different. A social media post cannot tell you if you have ADHD.

Some people find it hard to concentrate, stay organised, sit still, or manage their feelings. These problems can happen for many reasons and do not always mean a person has ADHD.

If social media is making you feel worried, upset, or distracted, it may help to talk to a healthcare professional.

If you think you might have ADHD, please use trusted NHS information or speak to a healthcare professional.