Somerset Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service

Our service provides ADHD assessments for adults with a GP in Somerset who have not previously been diagnosed with ADHD.

What is ADHD? 

ADHD is a disorder that is defined through analysis of behaviour. People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning and/or development. (ADHD UK)

Studies show that ADHD may affect certain areas of the brain that allow us to solve problems, plan ahead, understand others’ actions, and control our impulses. Most cases are diagnosed in childhood, but it’s possible to be diagnosed as an adult. ADHD can’t develop for the first time in adults, but you may have had it as a child and not been diagnosed (Mental Health Foundation)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural syndrome characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. ADHD should be suspected if the core symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and/or impulsivity have been present since childhood. These core symptoms are age-inappropriate and result in significant psychological, social, and/or educational functional impairment. (NICE)

About us

We are an NHS team consisting of Specialist Nurses including Clinical Lead, Psychiatrists, and administrators.

Some of our Specialist Nurses are Independent Non-Medical Prescribers which means that they are able to prescribe ADHD specific medications and don’t need a doctor to do this

We accept referrals from GPs within Somerset and other Somerset NHS Foundation Trust staff. We do not accept self-referrals.

• How to make a referral.

Our referral form consists of 2 parts.

Part 1 should be completed by the referrer in consultation with the person who wants to access the service (link to guidance for completing part 1).

Part 2 should be completed by the person themselves.

Both parts should be sent to ADHDspa@somersetft.nhs.uk

• What happens once a referral is received.

1. The referral is triaged by at least 2 members of the Specialist Adult ADHD Service at a daily meeting and an outcome determined. This outcome is then communicated to both GP and person being referred by letter.

NB If there is not enough information provided by either the referrer or the person being referred that shows disablement by symptoms over the lifespan then the referral will be declined as we will be unable to triage effectively.

2. If accepted, then the person is placed onto the waiting list for ADHD assessment.
3. Once the person nears the top of the waiting list, they will be sent a pre assessment pack that need to be completed and returned before an assessment can be offered. These questionnaires help form part of the assessment process.
4. Once pre assessment questionnaires are received, an assessment will be offered either via video consultation (Attend Anywhere software) unless the person has indicated that they would like a face-to-face appointment.

** Face to face appointments can be offered in Taunton, Bridgwater, Wells, Yeovil, or Frome **

5. If the assessment pack is not returned within the given timeframe, then the person will be discharged from the service and will need to be re-referred should they wish to be considered again for assessment.

Our waiting times for assessment following an accepted referral currently stand at approximately 24+ months. Due to the changing circumstances within the service this is subject to change and as such people may be waiting longer.

Should the person waiting need support with their mental health needs then it is important they engage with the GP or other appropriate services (link to self help mental health resources).

• What an assessment looks like and what happens afterwards.
• Whether by Attend Anywhere or face to face, you will be seen by a member of the ADHD service who is a specialist in this area and able to make a diagnosis (if indicated).
• The appointment can last up to 3 hours, and this involves asking you questions about your childhood as well as current difficulties. We will have to ask about your family, traumatic experiences, alcohol and illicit substance use, and your social circumstances.
• It is possible that at the end of this initial appointment the clinician needs to set aside further time to meet with you again to conclude the assessment.
• On conclusion of the assessment your allocated clinician will advise the outcome of the process. This may be that they confirm a diagnosis of ADHD or inform you that a diagnosis is not indicated and what alternative support they think you need.

Medication is currently the only treatment option available to those who have been assessed and diagnosed within the Somerset Adult ADHD Service. NICE guidance (2018) suggests that we should “offer medication to adults with ADHD if their ADHD symptoms are still causing a significant impairment in at least one domain after environmental modifications have bene implemented and reviewed.”

Medication options are stimulant or non-stimulant.

Stimulant medication is lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate

Non-stimulant is atomoxetine .

To ensure that we are working together to ensure that your treatment is effective we have created the Somerset Adult ADHD Service Medication Charter. The Charter sets out what you can expect from your Adult ADHD Specialist Clinician and what they can expect from you.

It is important that you adhere to your treatment care plan as directed to ensure safe practice.

Attendance at appointments:

We expect you to attend all your review appointments with your clinician unless there is a reason why you are unable to attend. If you are unable to attend, then you need to contact the Adult ADHD Service as soon as possible to inform your clinician that you are unable to attend and the reason why.

If you miss more than one of your medication review appointments then you will be discharged back to the care of your GP, requiring a re-referral back into the service. On re-referral you will be seen when the next appointment becomes available. This may not be for several weeks.

When you attend your appointment please bring with you your resting heart rate and blood pressure reading – failure to provide this at each appointment counts as a missed appointment as we are unable to complete the assessment without it.