Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which affects one’s ability to concentrate, control themselves, and manage impulses, has recently taken over TikTok. A new study tested the validity of ADHD-related content on the platform. The results showed that almost 50% of the top viewed videos were conducting or sharing bad science. The study randomly sampled 843 undergraduate students between the ages of 18 to 25. It showed in real terms the dangers of taking untested social media tips on faith.
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood, affecting around 5% of kids and 3% of adults, according to the National Institutes of Health. It doesn't just pose issues with losing track of information and overall focus. The study categorized participants into three groups: those without an ADHD diagnosis, those who self-diagnosed, and those who received a formal diagnosis from mental health professionals.
The research exposed a concerning trend: videos purporting to offer ADHD advice garnered almost half a billion views, yet only 49% of the claims within these videos were deemed accurate by psychologists. This approach was too simplistic and did not consider the symptom-level variability and individual differences within the disorder.
Participants who self-identified as having ADHD tended to spend the most TikTok videos. They had a much higher tendency to believe in the accuracy of those videos. Alarmingly, only one in five video creators listed their credentials, and none were licensed psychologists, psychiatrists or medical doctors.
"Even if mental health professionals don't think the symptoms follow what they learn on social media, it doesn't mean that the person wouldn't benefit from help," said Vasileia Karasavva, the study's lead author.
The new study highlights the need for expert guidance to help determine whether someone has ADHD. Karasavva warned against content creators who overpromise and give false certainty and could be trying to sell you a solution.
"Be cautious of people who appear very confident and are selling you something," Karasavva warned.
A spokesperson from TikTok responded to concerns about the platform's content:
"As people express themselves authentically and build supportive communities on TikTok, we proactively provide the TikTok community with access to reliable mental health information from the Cleveland Clinic, National Institute of Mental Health, and World Health Organization."
Karasavva invited the audience to fact check assertions. He recommended looking for citations from reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the American Psychiatric Association, in videos they watch.
