New York Times confirms ADHD is not a biological disorder, says watchdog

On April 21, 2025, a significant exposé was published in The New York Times Magazine, stirring the psychiatric community over assertions regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The article presented research and claims from the Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR), highlighting the absence of objective medical tests to substantiate ADHD as a biological disorder. Jan Eastgate, the president of CCHR, expressed that the revelations should compel lawmakers to investigate the ongoing prescription of medication to millions of children, allegedly based on flawed premises. This issue, long criticized by CCHR, points to a system promoted by a narrative that many experts are now starting to question. The New York Times feature, written by Paul Tough, examined the long-standing marketing of ADHD as a neurobiological condition that required medication, despite the lack of any reliable diagnostic tests. This reliance on subjective judgment for diagnosis instead of empirical evidence raises profound ethical concerns, as conveyed by Eastgate's remarks. Experts who once supported this diagnosis framework are progressively distancing themselves from the previously accepted beliefs, acknowledging that ADHD's categorization as a medical disorder has been built on unverified assumptions. As the discussion around pediatric mental health grows, CCHR asserts that millions of children have been misdiagnosed and subjected to unnecessary medication. The Department of Health and Human Services in the U.S. has initiated a federal review in light of rising concerns over the over-diagnosis and excessive prescribing of stimulants for ADHD, a situation criticized by child rights advocates and international human rights frameworks. By recognizing that ADHD diagnoses are largely grounded in subjective evaluations, rather than verifiable medical assessments, the mental health community faces demands for accountability and reform. The CCHR had campaigned against the mass diagnosis and prescription of ADHD medications since at least the late 20th century. Their involvement has drawn the attention of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, which has similarly expressed concerns over ADHD medication practices worldwide. Recent guidelines from the World Health Organization urge a paradigm shift away from traditional biomedical approaches to mental health, supporting a more comprehensive investigation into the causes and treatment approaches for children diagnosed with ADHD. The exposé by The New York Times Magazine is a pivotal moment that aligns with CCHR's long-held position and opens new discussions on mental health practices affecting children across various countries.