A new study shows that many popular TikTok videos about ADHD don’t accurately describe clinical symptoms. While these videos help raise awareness, researchers say they often lack scientific backing, which may spread misinformation.
Experts vs. Young Viewers: A Difference in Understanding
Researchers asked two clinical psychologists who specialize in ADHD to evaluate 100 of TikTok’s most popular videos on the condition. Their analysis revealed that less than half (48.7%) of the claims in these videos matched official diagnostic criteria.
To further explore the issue, 800 university students watched 10 of these videos, including the most reliable and least reliable ones as rated by the experts. The findings showed a clear difference in perception:
- The most accurate videos received an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 from experts but only 2.8 from young viewers.
- The least reliable videos were rated 1.1 out of 5 by experts but 2.3 by young viewers, suggesting that unreliable videos appeared more credible to younger audiences.
Who Creates ADHD Content on TikTok?
ADHD-related content on TikTok has gained massive popularity, with top videos reaching nearly 500 million views. However, the study found that few creators had proper expertise:
- Only 1 in 5 creators shared their credentials in the video.
- 83.6% cited their personal experience, while 13.1% identified as life coaches.
- Just 1.6% claimed to be mental health professionals, but none had a PhD, PsyD, or MD.
- About half of the creators promoted products or sought financial gain.
The Risks of Misinformation
The study also found that people who self-diagnosed with ADHD trusted the least reliable videos more than those with a formal diagnosis.
“This is interesting but potentially concerning,” said Dr. Blandine French from the University of Nottingham. “People with an official diagnosis seemed better at identifying high-quality information, while those who self-diagnosed struggled more.”
The Need for Critical Thinking Online
Although the study highlights the dangers of misinformation, experts acknowledge TikTok’s power in raising awareness and reducing stigma.
“Anecdotes and personal experiences are powerful, but without context, they can lead to misunderstandings about ADHD and mental health,” explained study lead author Vasileia Karasavva.
Researchers emphasize that this study is just the beginning of understanding how ADHD is portrayed on social media. They stress the importance of verifying sources when consuming mental health content online.