Channel 4 ADHD documentary

[crackerjackbaby]

Totally totally one sided. And very dangerous as a result of that. AIBU to think this?

Really do you have evidence for this? They can have unpleasant side effects hence some likely to take breaks.

Also appetite suppression can often be temporary and wear off after a few months and when medication wears off in the evening your appetite can come roaring back anyway which can cause overeating.ADHD meds can reduce impulsive or binge-eating behaviors tied to low dopamine, which helps some people manage their weight better which isn’t a bad thing.

Masking - as with pretty much all aspects of ADHD really - isn't unique to people who are neurodivergent - it's the extent to which it is happening and the impact that has on you.

Examples of what I'd consider masking include:

• ability to look like I'm paying attention in meetings while a 1000 thoughts are pinballing round my brain and nothing is sinking in. Then blagging responses as needed
• Pretending that I'm well on top of projects at work, but not being and then having to work late near the deadline to get it over the line.
• People consider me stylish but if I don't have to leave the house I will go days without showering or brushing my hair
• Can't keep the house clean or tidy but will work feverishly tidying if anyone is coming round. Live in fear of people popping round and the mess being discovered.

I'm sure to some extent many of these are relatable to people without ADHD but is the magnitude of it and compound effect (stress, shame etc) that are debilitating.

Yes and no. "People who need crutches only need them when they need to stand up, if only society allowed us to sit constantly it wouldn't be such an issue"

Yes I think schools could adapt better to meeting the needs of neurodivergent kids, very very much so.

But just "getting by as a human in modern society" can be taxing for people with ADHD people in a way that meds can help with.

In an ideal world we'd live in societies that we had less need for anti-depressants, anti-obesity drugs, treatments for cancers caused by environmental pollutants etc etc. But I don't think it's realistic to think we can "adapt our lifestyles" completely out of need for medication that is fixing problems that are in part a product of society.

Ds and I need our medication every day. He has almost as many issues at home as at school. I don’t go to school or have an office type role, so by the some people’s reasoning I shouldn’t need medication at all. My brain fails to function effectively every day. I do agree though that schools need to change the way they do things to be more ADHD friendly.

Probably a number of reasons for this:

1. greater awareness = increased later life diagnosis so there are simply more people diagnosed amongst all groups, including the "rich and successful" who have always had it just never realised until now.
2. reduced stigma = people prepared to talk about it. I think arguably we've previously seen similar with depression, or eating disorders etc. People have always had them they just may not have spoken up
3. certain careers like acting, comedy, creative arts suit people with ADHD so it's hardly surprising to find famous people with ADHD
4. similarly it can be linked with entrepreneurship and risk taking so some successful business people have ADHD (you don't see all those whose attempts at starting new businesses flounder - scatter a thousand seeds and you only notice the few that bloom).
5. if you get to the point of being rich and successful they've probably both mastered masking and got the resources needed to provide scaffolding (dammit if I had a PA, personal chef and housekeeper I would be absolutely thriving!)

I disagree strongly with young children taking these types of medications, same as sleeping ones. Utterly unnecessary! I hope it is eventually banned.

There's some great expert reaction to the programme along these lines to be found here:

expert reaction to the TV show ‘The Great ADHD Myth? | Science Media Centre

It is very much necessary for some and can be life changing.

If I didn’t take medication I would’ve lost my job by now. You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, medication is life changing for so many people who have ADHD no matter what the age.

@ablastfromthepastthis is really interesting: thank you for sharing.

@SayItLikeItIsLetsKeepItRealanother one with no experience of raising a child diagnosed with the condition. The blind ignorance on this thread is just embarrassing.

I am also upset this has been broadcast just before I go to visit my parents: if they’ve seen it, it’ll be more grist to their ADHD-denial mill.

Why? What evidence do you have to support them being banned? Or is it just a "feeling"?

I’m very anti-medications for mental health issues, as there are so many other longer term things you can change which are more beneficial.

Going by the name of the ignorant poster, it's probably just rage bait and best ignored. Embarrassingly stupid if not.

Ok, explain it to me. How can I manage my ADHD without medication?

Children have always varied in temperament. Modern life and modern environments are very unhealthy, and it’s unsurprising some children respond honestly to that. They aren’t the issue, but modern environments and expectations often are. Poor kids!

I grew up in the 80s. No screens, lots of outside play, healthy diet. I still have ADHD. How do you explain that?

People want an easy fix, they mask unhealthy habits. Overhaul your entire lifestyle and environment instead.

That's not evidence.

Look at your entire lifestyle and habits. Make constructive changes. Push back.

I have a very healthy diet, do loads of exercise, have switched to a much more suitable job and reduced my hours. All these have helped get me out of the mindset of “fantasising about throwing myself in front of a bus” but it’s no cure. Short of abandoning my family and going to live alone in a yurt I’m not sure what other lifestyle changes I can make?

I have spent my whole life doing that. Changing my diet, exercising, making lists, trying organisation systems. Nothing works. As a result of that I have long suffered with depression, anxiety and OCD. Crushingly low self esteem.

Since going on medication my life has changed. I now thrive at work and am much happier. What a shame that I didn't do this sooner and save myself the years of pain and struggles.

Why do you think you know better?

There is zero point trying to explain the facts to ADHD-deniers. It gets their backs up for some reason.

”Everyone has something”
”All kids are like that”
”Everyone zones out when they’re bored”
”Why would you care about a diagnosis when you’re this far in life”
”It didn’t exist when I was young”

And my favourite: “dangerous psychotics”

If you downed enough Calpol it would be dangerous!

Yeah, you are right. The ignorance of people is disappointing.