Channel 4 has received nearly 10,000 Ofcom complaints over its documentary The Great ADHD Myth?, which aired on Tuesday, August 18. Ofcom confirmed the programme drew 9,656 complaints, with a spokesperson saying: "Complaints related to the representation of ADHD in the programme."
Channel 4 defends the documentary
Following backlash that emerged when the documentary was announced, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: "This documentary does not deny the lived experience of people with ADHD traits, but does hear from a group of senior medical and academic experts - many of whom work or have worked with the NHS or have held presidential roles at professional membership bodies - who seek to question whether ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. They also ask whether modern living has contributed to a rise in diagnoses, and whether there may be better alternatives for children than medication."
The programme sought "to determine whether ADHD is a genuine neurodevelopmental disorder, or a social construct". Its synopsis posed questions including whether people with ADHD have differently wired brains, whether modern life serves as a catalyst for certain behaviours, and whether children should be given mind-altering drugs to treat the condition.
Viewer reactions split
The documentary featured NHS psychiatrist Dr Max Pemberton, who said: "As a psychiatrist, I've watched ADHD go from a diagnosis that was only occasionally made and after careful assessment, to one that is increasingly demanded and dispensed, and I wanted to understand why." He added: "There's no doubt that the people seeking these diagnoses are genuinely struggling; that isn't in question. What the film asks is whether ADHD is really the best explanation for that struggle and my hope is that we come away with permission to ask better questions about what modern life is doing to all of us."
When the documentary was announced, some viewers were appalled. One wrote: "The endless hostility toward people with ADHD, autism, and anxiety is reaching a terrifying point." Another said: "More demonising and minimising those with mental health struggles. Fabulous." One person called it "absolutely disgusting", while another said it was "incredibly hurtful".
Other viewers found the programme "interesting", with one writing: "Interesting programme on Channel 4 about ADHD." Another called it "great", and a third said: "I filled it in to say how interesting I found the programme. I have a child with a diagnosis of ADHD."
The Mirror has approached Channel 4 for comment. The Great ADHD Myth? is available to watch on Channel 4.
