r/ADHDUK are losing their rags over Channel 4's "The Great ADHD Myth?"
But almost none of them have actually watched it. The program deals with a typically hyperactive boy, and the dilemma his mother faces about medication. The medication makes him able to focus at school, but he doesn't like the way it makes him feel. They trial a program of increased outdoor activity, reduced sugar and screens, and surprise surprise, his symptoms improve, he still struggles with school but they decided it is better to accept this rather than continue with the meds.
Also in the program, the presenter talks to various experts, who reiterate there is no neurological evidence for an "ADHD brain", and the presenter himself gets a private ADHD diagnosis, based off evidence like he doesn't like waiting in queues and sometimes loses his phone. The implication is clear: we can't all have ADHD.
I find it very odd that middle aged professionals with private diagnoses, who had successful careers before and after medication, would get so worked up at the suggestion that their condition is not as inherent as they would like. I don't begrudge them their private prescriptions, I would consider getting on them myself, but I do find it a bit distasteful that they would get so offended by the program comparing ADHD meds to "slow release cocaine" (literally what they are), as if they want them to keep drugging children so that their drug use is legitimised.
Interesting the Guardian gave it 4 stars.