E4 and BBC programmes on ADHD diagnosis

3 June 2023 By ella alle Off

I was intrigued to watch the two programmes on diagnosis of ADHD that happened to be out on the week of 15 May 2023. The one on E4 was following a celebrity whose partner noticed certain things that led her to think he might have ADHD. He speaks to people who have already received an ADHD diagnosis; and to people around him, some of whom encourage him to have the diagnostic assessment and some who don’t. He seeks a GP appointment and an ADHD diagnosis. His friend helps him realise that being potentially diagnosed with ADHD does not equate with being given a label, or with carrying a disease; and that medication will help make his everyday less stressful rather than take away some of his personality. The psychiatrist doing the diagnostic assessment speaks clearly, creates a safe environment and normalises the person’s difficulties. The diagnoses are framed positively and he is excited to share them with his partner. I felt this programme was balanced and carried a positive message. In contrast, I felt that the negative way that private ADHD assessments were depicted on Panorama from BBC will lead some NHS providers to no longer accept private ADHD diagnoses. This documentary does not take into account the fact that people have private ADHD assessments because the NHS waiting lists for ADHD assessments are very long.

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CategoryAdults with Autism and/or ADHD Specific Learning difficulties that often coexist that you need to screen for