RCPsych statement on Channel 4 ADHD documentary

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Yesterday, Channel 4 broadcast a documentary titled ‘The Great ADHD Myth?’.

Responding to the documentary, Professor Subodh Dave, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, commented:

“The way we speak about neurodevelopmental conditions really matters. It can fuel harmful stigma experienced by people living with the condition and risk discouraging people from seeking the support and treatment they need.

"While we understand individuals may have their own opinions about the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, the College takes an evidence-based approach. Research suggests 3 to 5% of the population have ADHD, indicating that it is still under-recognised, under-diagnosed and under-treated in the UK.

“The sharp increase in ADHD waiting lists and diagnoses in recent years needs to be better understood. It might be explained by improvements in public awareness of these conditions, misdiagnosis due to poor quality assessments and a variety of other factors, but invalidating the condition does a disservice to people with ADHD and professionals involved in their care.

"Early years support and reasonable adjustments at school and work can help reduce the impact that ADHD has on people’s lives. The Independent ADHD Taskforce report made it clear that systemic changes across health, education and employment are needed to better meet the needs of people with ADHD and their families and carers. We support a wider societal and public health approach alongside action to improve access to high-quality care for people with ADHD.

“What should be scrutinised is the quality of assessment patients are receiving and whether people are able to access the right support at the right time. Many social, cultural and health factors can influence someone’s likelihood of being diagnosed with ADHD, and these complexities are not always captured in a 45-minute assessment.

“An ADHD diagnosis should never be based solely on questionnaires. It requires a comprehensive clinical assessment that considers differential diagnoses, co-occurring conditions and an individual’s wider circumstances. Getting this right is essential, as both missing or misdiagnosing ADHD and related conditions can have lasting consequences for patients.

"People who have ADHD should be provided with a personalised treatment plan which may include a range of different options, including lifestyle changes, organisational skills training, an ADHD coach, therapy or medication. It is vital they receive the combination of support that works best for them and that this is tailored to their individual needs.

“The focus should be on improving access to high-quality assessments and care by addressing waiting lists that leave many people without vital support for years at a time, not questioning the legitimacy of a well-established neurodevelopmental disorder. A needs-based approach would also help ensure people who are waiting for an assessment and may have a co-occurring mental illness or neurodevelopmental condition can still receive other forms of care and support.

“We would advise anyone who wants to stop taking their ADHD medication to speak with their doctor first.”

Anyone who would like to learn more about ADHD should read our ADHD in children and young people information resource or our new blog ADHD: Your questions answered.