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  • Recent research indicates a high prevalence of ADHD misinformation on TikTok, which significantly influences young people’s perceptions of the disorder.

  • This issue may point to a demographic that seeks information but encounters barriers to accessing proper care, according to researchers.

  • For individuals questioning if they might have ADHD, there are strategies to identify credible information and obtain necessary support.

Information about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is widespread on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, raising concerns about misdiagnosis and self-diagnosis.

This issue is not new. Over the past several decades, public discourse regarding this neurodivergent condition has oscillated between debates over its possible overdiagnosis and overmedication.

The proliferation of social media has only magnified these discussions. A significant number of young adults consult platforms like TikTok and Instagram to educate themselves about ADHD, which often leads to skepticism among healthcare providers regarding self-diagnosis.

A study published on March 19 in PLOS One identified that a majority of the popular ADHD-related content on TikTok lacks medical accuracy, and the insights offered by several influencers do not correspond with professional mental health advice.

Co-author of the study, Vasileia Karasavva, a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia, shared with Healthline that the research underscores a significant issue for many young individuals: a lack of resources for obtaining reliable information.

“Understanding oneself and one’s feelings is a deeply human endeavor. What we are seeing is individuals struggling without access to adequate support, forcing them to depend on readily available sources like social media,” Karasavva explained.

Widespread Misinformation about ADHD on TikTok

The recent analysis comprises two studies. Initially, researchers analyzed the first 100 videos by view count under the hashtag #ADHD. Two experienced clinical psychologists reviewed these videos to evaluate the accuracy of the content presented.

The other researchers, both PhD students, examined the number and type of claims in the videos, as well as other metrics like viewer engagement and instances where content creators promoted commercial services or solicited funds.

The psychologists concluded that less than half (48.7%) of the ADHD claims were accurate, with the majority of misleading claims (68.5%) describing experiences typical of the general human condition.

In the second study, 843 participants—comprising individuals with a formal diagnosis of ADHD, those self-diagnosed, and those without ADHD—were asked to watch and evaluate the top and bottom five videos identified in the first study.

The young adults rated the accurate videos lower and the inaccurate ones higher than the assessments done by the psychology professionals, highlighting a significant disparity in content evaluation.

Remarkably, none of the content creators in the 100 videos held a doctoral-level credential, and only a small fraction (1.6%) had a Master’s degree. Most creators (83.6%) based their content on personal experiences.

Karasavva expressed surprise that half of the video creators incorporated sales tactics, linking to platforms like Venmo and Amazon.

“This raises important questions about the commercialization of ADHD on social media and whether viewers are receiving reliable, science-backed information or are merely seen as potential consumers,” she remarked.

Don T. Galbadage, PhD, MPH, an associate professor at Texas Christian University specializing in public health education, emphasized the importance of using established information sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Mental Health for reliable information.

He highlighted that the study illustrates a crucial need for those in public health to bridge the gap between popular and accurate information.

Challenges of Self-Diagnosing ADHD

Ashwini Nadkarni, MD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, cautioned that reliance on ADHD-related online content might lead to overlooking other potential health issues.

“This study suggests that information on TikTok should not be considered definitive,” Nadkarni told Healthline.

“Essentially, it’s anecdotal content which can result in misinterpreting normal behaviors or those indicative of other conditions as signs of ADHD,” she added.

Jess Rauchberg, PhD, a digital media scholar and assistant professor at Seton Hall University, noted that the study reflects how social media algorithms influence user content preferences.

“The recommendation system on TikTok suggests content based on user interest in topics like ADHD or self-diagnosis,” Rauchberg explained to Healthline.

“The study highlights the complexities of self-diagnosis and underscores the importance of media literacy. It’s critical to distinguish between media presentations and reality, especially in discussions about self-diagnosis on digital platforms,” she stated.

Consulting a Doctor for ADHD Concerns

For individuals overwhelmed by misleading ADHD content on social media, identifying trustworthy sources is key.

Rauchberg, who also published a study on TikTok and autism, suggested that users seek out content from creators who not only hold professional credentials but who also effectively engage with the platform’s features to enhance educational delivery.

“Healthcare professionals can harness these platform features responsibly to help people understand complex information,” Rauchberg advised.

“It’s not TikTok itself that’s the issue, but how it’s used to communicate ideas about diagnoses. This study shows that healthcare providers can play a crucial role in guiding young people towards empowering themselves with accurate information,” she added.

Nadkarni emphasized the importance of consulting a healthcare professional to discern the truth from social media anecdotes. This approach can help differentiate between anecdotal social media claims and scientifically validated diagnostic processes.

“If you have concerns or questions, the best next step is to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss them in detail,” Nadkarni recommended.