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 our referral form is in the Resources section at the bottom 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.
Our postal address is:
Somerset Adult ADHD Service
Holly Court
Summerlands Hospital site
Preston Road
Yeovil
BA20 2BX
Telephone: 01935 428420
Referral inbox email: SAAS@somersetFT.nhs.uk