A key contributor to a controversial Channel 4 documentary on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has withdrawn her support for the programme, saying it was biased and could lead to an increased suicide risk by encouraging parents to take their children off medication. Katya Rubia, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, also said The Great ADHD Myth? misrepresented her views. A Channel 4 spokesperson disputed the claim that it denied the lived experience of those diagnosed with ADHD and instead sought to present the views of a range of senior medical experts who seek to question the conventional understanding of ADHD and if it is a neurodevelopmental condition.
Rubia criticised the documentary for filming the experience of Mason, a 10-year-old boy, while he was taken off ADHD medication. There was also the uncontrolled placebo effect of being treated on TV.” Rubia said research showed most children preferred to be on medication because they had better control over their emotions as a result and consequently more friends and better relationships with others. Rubia also criticised the documentary for its negative portrayal of medication for children with ADHD.
No mention was made about the potential negative consequences of Mason’s dropping school performance on his self-esteem and academic future.” The Channel 4 spokesperson said: “We are satisfied that Katya Rubia’s contribution has been edited fairly, is an accurate representation of the interview she gave and that her consent was informed.” They added: “Whilst the film does not seek to provide answers from one family’s experience, their experiences have opened up discussion around whether today’s world is equipped to accommodate ADHD behaviours and the ethics of medicating these, particularly in children and particularly when the long-term effects remain unknown. An independent doctor, his GP, and a health and safety company were consulted. Advice was also taken from three independent psychiatrists on the medication break.” Prof Anita Thapar, a clinician scientist at Cardiff University’s school of medicine, who chaired NHS England’s independent ADHD taskforce, also criticised the documentary.
It seemed one-sided and used sensational language, such as likening medication to corporal punishment.” A Channel 4 spokesperson said the channel had a remit to stimulate public debate and challenge the status quo. They added: “Not everyone will agree with everything included in the programme and we acknowledge the strength of feeling that this subject evokes, however there is considerable public debate in this area and testing conventional thinking and exploring different ideas.” Prof Subodh Dave, the president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, also criticised the programme. A survey launched by the charity ADHD UK after the documentary was screened on Tuesday has received more than 4,000 responses.
More than 94% of respondents said the documentary had increased stigma about ADHD. The same proportion said it was not fair in its representa
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