Channel 4, The Great ADHD Myth.

I haven’t seen the programme but I know a bit about Dr Max Pemberton because he’s known for his dismissive views of ADHD. 

Dr Max Pemberton (NHS psychiatrist) is quoted by Forbes:

“There’s no doubt that the people seeking these diagnoses are genuinely struggling; that isn’t in question,” he continued. “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.” Apple News/Forbes, Channel 4 The Great ADHD Myth.

I am on an NHS ADHD assessment waiting list that has recently stalled. The NHS clinic agreed with me that I was correct in saying that I would be dead before I would have a chance of being seen.

I didn’t have a mobile when young. I spent most of my time outdoors and I was always in detention at school and received corporal punishment at home. I don’t think environmental factors caused my ADHD traits.

If Dr Pemberton doesn’t deny that people with ADHD have symptoms that are effectively treated by medication, I don’t see the point of denying the condition exists other than to make it more difficult for certain groups of people to access help and potentially state benefits.

I think this is largely politically driven. It goes along not so nicely with Jeremy Clarkson’s recent comment that people on state benefits should write him a long letter thanking him and showing true gratitude for the money, and listing how they have spent it. Talk about entitlement! It’s a pretty disgusting thing to say.

I haven’t seen the programme but I know a bit about Dr Max Pemberton because he’s known for his dismissive views of ADHD. 

Dr Max Pemberton (NHS psychiatrist) is quoted by Forbes:

“There’s no doubt that the people seeking these diagnoses are genuinely struggling; that isn’t in question,” he continued. “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.” Apple News/Forbes, Channel 4 The Great ADHD Myth.

I am on an NHS ADHD assessment waiting list that has recently stalled. The NHS clinic agreed with me that I was correct in saying that I would be dead before I would have a chance of being seen.

I didn’t have a mobile when young. I spent most of my time outdoors and I was always in detention at school and received corporal punishment at home. I don’t think environmental factors caused my ADHD traits.

If Dr Pemberton doesn’t deny that people with ADHD have symptoms that are effectively treated by medication, I don’t see the point of denying the condition exists other than to make it more difficult for certain groups of people to access help and potentially state benefits.

I think this is largely politically driven. It goes along not so nicely with Jeremy Clarkson’s recent comment that people on state benefits should write him a long letter thanking him and showing true gratitude for the money, and listing how they have spent it. Talk about entitlement! It’s a pretty disgusting thing to say.