Thread by @emjayeowen

I recently complained to the #BBC about the "#Panorama - Private #ADHD Clinics Exposed" documentary. Today I have received a response (screenshots attached)

I outlined different issues with the programme in my complaint, as listed below (alongside the BBC’s response, and comments on the response):

Point #1: The methodology for the investigation is not credible; the reporter presents the NHS consultant with the information that he is a reporter investigating ADHD before the assessment is conducted, but withholds this information from the private clinics...

Subsequently it’s not an accurate portrayal of an assessment provided by the NHS.

The BBC responded “It was important for the programme’s reporter to first understand how they should be conducted. NHS consultant psychiatrist Mike Smith, who leads a specialist adult ADHD service, agreed to carry out an assessment”

This does not acknowledge the difference in the information provided to the private clinics VS NHS, as the NHS clinician knew this was a documentary on ADHD being misdiagnosed. It is therefore not accurate to present this as a typical ADHD assessment on the NHS; it is not.

The BBC also said that “Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood relies on an experienced and appropriately qualified clinician carrying out a comprehensive and detailed assessment… Experts in the condition told Panorama that this could not be done safely in under two hours”;

It also said that “Dr Ulrich Muller-Sedgwick told Radio 4’s PM programme on Monday 15th May that a good quality ADHD assessment takes three hours”;

This is contradictory to NHS resources readily available online on how much time is required for an ADHD assessment, and diagnose ADHD.

According to NHS Central and North West London, an “initial virtual appointment can last up to 90 minutes”, following which the patient is offered a trial of medication if the patient is diagnosed with ADHD. cnwl.nhs.uk/services/menta…

(Thanks to @HSW3K
for highlighting this one): oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/camhs/oxon/ndc… NHS Oxford Health says “This appointment usually lasts approximately 2 hours and no further appointments may be necessary”;

Point #2; The reporting interviews a very small section of those involved in the ADHD space. There are no discussions shown with individuals who have had a positive experience with a private clinic...

... and despite being a programme on ADHD, there were no actual ADHD voices shared. The coverage is therefore not fair and accurate in line with the BBC’s editorial values.

The BBC said; “Panorama then spoke to dozens of patients and members of staff at private ADHD clinics, who confirmed many of the allegations made in the original email.”

This does not address that there was the opportunity to make the reporting less biased by interviewing those who had positive experiences with being diagnosed privately. It also does not address that this was an opportunity to feature ADHD voices that was missed.

Point #3 raised: It is unethical reporting to not only lie about experiencing serious medical symptoms, but also adding to the extremely long waiting lists to be seen on the NHS when there are individuals struggling and waiting for support who actually need it.

The response has addressed that the Panorama reporter did not lie during any assessment;
“Panorama’s reporter also gave honest answers to all of the questions about symptoms during his assessments at the three private clinics…The reporter did not pretend to have ADHD symptoms“;

Point #4; Overall it is harmful to people with a private ADHD diagnosis. By naming the private clinics, it discredits anyone who currently has a diagnosis from the clinics mentioned. This can potentially be very damaging for the reputation of these privately diagnosed...

...individuals; they are facing new found discrimination at work and in their private life.

Point #5; Lastly, the documentary does not offer adequate support for anyone looking for further help with an ADHD diagnosis, or those who received a diagnosis through the private clinics mentioned. ADHD is a disability, and the documentary does not offer appropriate protection..

...to vulnerable groups in line with the BBC’s editorial values.

These last two points raised highlight the documentary is potentially harmful for people with a private ADHD diagnosis, and does not offer adequate support or protection. I am extremely disappointed that despite its size, the BBC does not address these last two points.

It does not hold itself accountable for the devastating impact the documentary has had for many individuals; people having their diagnosis questioned, reasonable accommodations at work removed, and facing unwarranted scrutiny.

The BBC need to do better.

@threadreaderapp unroll plrease!