George Still Forum Statement on The Great ADHD Myth?

The George Still Forum supports open, evidence-informed discussion about how ADHD is understood, assessed and treated.

We have reviewed Channel 4’s The Great ADHD Myth?, the programme materials and the expert commentary submitted to the Science Media Centre.

The programme highlights concerns that warrant serious attention. Diagnostic practice is not uniform, children and families can face unacceptably long waits, the quality of assessment in the private sector can vary, and children, young people and their families should have a meaningful voice in decisions about treatment. These are important issues for clinicians, commissioners, regulators and policymakers.

We do not agree, however, with the suggestion that ADHD should be regarded as a “myth” because there is no brain scan capable of diagnosing the condition in an individual child.

ADHD is a clinical disorder for which there is substantial evidence of genetic and neurobiological contributions. Large genetic, epidemiological and neuroimaging studies have demonstrated consistent findings at a group level, alongside a high degree of heritability. Current brain imaging cannot diagnose ADHD in an individual child, but this reflects the limitations and clinical application of the technology.

Most neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions are diagnosed through clinical assessment rather than a single biological test. The absence of an individual diagnostic brain scan does not demonstrate that ADHD is unreal or simply a social construct.

We are also concerned about the conclusions that may be drawn from the programme’s medication experiment. In one child, medication was withdrawn while several lifestyle and environmental factors were changed at the same time. This does not provide a reliable way of determining whether ADHD medication is effective. There was no control condition or blinding, several variables were altered simultaneously, follow-up was limited, and expectancy effects could not be separated from the effects of the individual interventions.

Mason’s experience is nevertheless important and should be heard. Children and families need to be listened to, particularly when treatment is not working well or when there are concerns about medication. A personal experience can be genuine and highly significant to the individual without providing evidence that can be generalised to all children with ADHD.

Individual experience needs to be considered alongside evidence from randomised trials, longitudinal studies, systematic reviews and clinical guidance.

We are concerned that some of the programme’s messaging could have unintended consequences. It may increase stigma, encourage families to alter prescribed medication without appropriate clinical supervision, or make some families less willing to seek or remain engaged with health services. For children who benefit from ADHD treatment, this could have important consequences.

Our advice to families is clear: prescribed ADHD medication should not be stopped, restarted or changed solely in response to a television programme. Decisions about medication should be made with the prescribing clinician, taking into account the child’s response, adverse effects, preferences and wider circumstances, alongside appropriate clinical monitoring.

There is considerable scope to improve ADHD services. The George Still Forum supports higher-quality, multi-informant assessment; consistent standards and stronger regulation across NHS and private provision; shorter waiting times; better access to psychological, educational and other non-pharmacological support; routine shared decision-making; and genuine involvement of children and young people in decisions about their care.

Children and families deserve an accurate assessment and care that reflects their individual needs. That care should be proportionate, evidence-informed and delivered within a framework that recognises the complexity of ADHD and the circumstances in which children and young people live.

For families and professionals seeking further information, the George Still Forum recommends the NICE guideline NG87 on ADHD, relevant RCPCH and RCPsych guidance, the Independent ADHD Taskforce report, and systematic reviews and metaanalyses examining the effectiveness and safety of ADHD medicines.

Signed
15/09/2026

Dr N Bajaj
Chair
George Still Forum