Charity Complains About Channel 4 Documentary Examining ADHD
53 minutes ago
By Ian Youngs, Culture Reporter
Channel 4
An ADHD charity has said it has complained to media regulator Ofcom about a Channel 4 documentary that suggested Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a myth.
The programme, titled The Great ADHD Myth?, was broadcast on Tuesday and its host, NHS psychiatrist Dr Max Pemberton, concluded that ADHD is "a social construct, not a disorder of the brain."
ADHD UK filed a complaint, stating: "ADHD is not a myth. It is not a social construct." The Royal College of Psychiatrists also cautioned against dismissing the condition.
Channel 4 defended the show, arguing that it’s "legitimate for [the] debate to be explored and for conventional understandings to be challenged." The documentary featured experts skeptical about ADHD and its treatment, as well as a 10-year-old boy who stopped his medication and noted improvements in behavior. His mother decided to have him go back on the drugs two months after filming, with his school performance improving.
ADHD UK criticized this conclusion, noting that the end credits contradicted the programme’s main argument. They stated: "Their experiment disproved their conclusion. We have already complained to Ofcom."
The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ President, Prof Subodh Dave, also expressed disagreement, acknowledging varying opinions but warning against invalidating ADHD, which he described as a "well-established neurodevelopmental disorder."
Another charity, ADHD Embrace, had previously raised concerns with Channel 4, fearing the programme could "perpetuate misinformation about ADHD…"
