Inside Our ADHD Minds: A Groundbreaking Documentary on Neurodivergence
A new documentary series on BBC2, Inside Our ADHD Minds, has shed light on the often-misunderstood world of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The programme, presented by naturalist Chris Packham, follows the lives of two individuals, Henry and Jo, as they navigate their daily struggles with ADHD. According to The Times, the documentary offers a "deeper understanding" of the condition, providing a platform for those affected to share their experiences.
In an innovative approach, Packham connects with Henry, a 23-year-old struggling with ADHD, and sets him free on a creative project that explains his condition to himself and his loved ones. As reported by The Times, Henry confided in Packham, revealing secrets about his inner world that he had kept hidden from his family due to embarrassment and a desire to avoid causing worry. The documentary captures Henry’s journey, showcasing his "floordrobe" – a manifestation of his daily struggles – and his creative project, which brings to life his imaginative concept of "tombola man".
The second participant, Jo, a 51-year-old council worker, shares her story of recent diagnosis and her anger at the lost years spent struggling to manage her condition. As quoted in The Times, Jo says, "Back in the 1970s I had never heard of ADHD… The 1970s may have been a great era for flares and sideburns, but it won’t be remembered as a time when those who didn’t fit in were treated with delicacy and kindness." Her words highlight the significant progress made in recent years in understanding and addressing neurodivergence.
The documentary also explores the science behind ADHD, with Packham suggesting that the term is misleading, as it causes not a deficit of attention but a struggle to regulate thought processes. The Times reports that Dr Tony Lloyd, a campaigner, estimates that about 6% of the world’s population is affected by the condition, while only 1-2% of Britons have an ADHD diagnosis. Furthermore, the programme highlights the disparity in diagnosis and treatment between men and women, with women and girls often being better at masking their symptoms.
The film concludes on a positive note, showcasing the impact of the documentary on Henry and Jo’s loved ones. As The Times notes, the unfolding of understanding as the films were shown to Henry and Jo’s family and friends was "beautiful to watch". Henry’s family gained a deeper understanding of his struggles, while Jo’s spoken-word piece expressed her grief for her lost past and her newfound self-acceptance.
The Times describes the documentary as "intelligent and unsensational", highlighting its thoughtful approach to a complex and often-stigmatised topic. The programme is available now on BBC iPlayer, offering a unique opportunity for viewers to gain a deeper understanding of ADHD and neurodivergence. As The Times concludes, "Work needs to be done, clearly, but this film was careful to end on a positive note… Quite." With its thoughtful approach and personal stories, Inside Our ADHD Minds is a significant contribution to the conversation around neurodivergence.
