'A fine line between reducing stigma and trivialising conditions': Social media, self-diagnosis and the glamorization of ADHD

In recent years, the internet has become a primary source of health information for many individuals. Social media platforms, in particular, have seen a surge in attention, with half of U.S. adults under the age of 50 relying on podcasts or influencers for health and wellness guidance. In her book, "Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health," journalist Dr. Deborah Cohen examines the profound influence of social media, trends, and technology on our well-being.

Cohen specifically highlights the portrayal of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on platforms like TikTok, where self-diagnosis and the exaggeration of lesser-known symptoms have become commonplace, often at the expense of the genuine challenges faced by those with the condition.

Despite the widespread appeal of viral videos on Instagram and TikTok, which detail common signs of ADHD, such as overpromising, memory lapses, and difficulty finishing tasks, these representations often overlook the nuanced nature of the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing ADHD, and responsible healthcare professionals must rule out alternative explanations before making a diagnosis and prescribing medication.

However, the reality of ADHD is far more complex than the oversimplified portrayals found on social media. Many symptoms of ADHD overlap with those of anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities, making accurate diagnosis and treatment crucial.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia and elsewhere have scrutinized the top 100 ADHD-related videos on TikTok. Their findings indicate that only 48.7% of the claims made in these videos align with the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD. Discrepancies are significant: nearly 70% of the inaccuracies describe experiences that are common among individuals without ADHD, while about 50% depict symptoms that are prevalent across multiple disorders.

Additionally, around 20% of the content more accurately reflects symptoms associated with entirely different conditions. Often, these videos fail to convey the subtleties of ADHD, with only 4% acknowledging that the described behaviors might not apply universally, and less than 2% pointing out that some people without ADHD could exhibit these symptoms as well.

Creators who share their personal experiences with ADHD frequently emphasize their "lived experience" as a key factor in their content. While some boast formal training as life coaches, not a single top-performing video features a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. When these videos were presented to 843 psychology students, the researchers found that the students generally rated the scientifically inaccurate content more positively than experts did.

This disparity suggests that young people may prioritize relatability over clinical accuracy when consuming content about ADHD. For self-diagnosed individuals, in particular, the validating content found on platforms like TikTok can be particularly appealing. It offers a sense of community and understanding that may have been lacking in traditional healthcare settings, where symptoms were often dismissed or misunderstood.