Channel 4's documentary The Great ADHD Myth? has received 9,656 complaints to Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator has confirmed. An Ofcom spokesperson said: "Complaints related to the representation of ADHD in the programme."
Viewer backlash and charity criticism
The programme, which aired on Tuesday, August 18, was described in one review as "the most controversial of the year". Viewers called the show "dangerous" and "disgusting", and it sparked an open letter and criticism from a charity. ADHD UK also complained to Ofcom, saying: "ADHD is not a myth. It is not a social construct."
In a statement released after the documentary was announced, amid widespread criticism, 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," reports the Mirror.
Mixed reviews and expert questioning
Outlets were divided in their response: The Guardian called it "the most controversial show of the year" in its review, while The Times said it was "a provocative film against overdiagnosing".
Outrage had begun from a press release for the documentary, which had earlier stated: "While the traits of ADHD undeniably exist – the question is why they exist. Is ADHD actually a neurodevelopmental disorder? Do people with ADHD have differently wired brains? Or does our world – with phones, ultra-processed food, and regimented education system – serve as the catalyst for certain responses and patterns of behaviour? And with such uncertainty around the condition, should we really be giving children mind-altering drugs to treat it?"
The documentary heard from medical experts questioning "the conventional narrative" around ADHD, including psychiatrist Dr Max Pemberton. It also followed a young family who "wanted to see whether holistic lifestyle changes can eliminate one boy's use of ADHD medication".
Viewer reactions and availability
After the documentary was announced, some viewers called it "disgusting" and "hurtful". One said, "Demonising neurodivergence. What a time to be alive." Someone else said, "Myth??? It's not a myth if you have ADHD. What a way to frame it." Another person called the documentary "irresponsible and dangerous," as someone else wrote: "As someone recently diagnosed, I am already sick and tired of ADHD being framed as 'not real'. It made school utter hell for me, and impacts my day-to-day life. Why Channel 4 seems intent on pushing stuff like this, I will never know."
Other people expressed their interest in the show, with one saying: "I've been diagnosed and I wonder this too!" Having watched the programme, one person called it "great", while others labelled it as "interesting". Someone else said, "The outrage this has caused illustrates why it is needed. No diagnostic neurodevelopmental process has ever been established as a constituent of ADHD, despite what is implied and many have been led to believe. The question posed by the doc, then, is entirely legitimate."
Manchester Evening News has approached Channel 4 for comment. The Great ADHD Myth? is available to watch on Channel 4.
