Channel 4 commissions documentary probing the surge in ADHD diagnoses
Channel 4 has commissioned a one-hour documentary hosted by NHS psychiatrist Max Pemberton to explore why ADHD referrals have jumped dramatically in recent years.
Channel 4 announced plans for a 60-minute documentary titled The Great ADHD Myth, presented by NHS psychiatrist Max Pemberton. Recent NHS data show a three-fold increase in ADHD referral rates from 2020 to 2025, prompting clinicians to wonder about underlying causes. The film will examine whether the condition reflects a neurodevelopmental disorder or a response to a technology-saturated, highly structured environment.
Pemberton will speak with specialists on both sides of the debate and accompany a young family exploring holistic lifestyle changes to reduce their child's medication use. By framing the issue within modern life’s pressures, the documentary seeks to guide parents, educators and health workers in asking deeper questions about diagnosis and treatment. The series is scheduled to debut on Channel 4 in 2027.
Why it matters
The documentary could shape public understanding and policy on ADHD diagnosis and treatment in a rapidly changing digital age.
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