New Study Exposes Widespread ADHD Misinformation on TikTok
A study has revealed that a substantial number of ADHD-related TikTok videos contain misleading information, making it difficult for viewers to identify reliable content.
Many ADHD Videos Do Not Meet Medical Accuracy Standards
The research, published in PLOS One on March 19, analyzed the most-watched ADHD videos on TikTok and found that fewer than half contained information that aligned with medical guidelines or expert recommendations.
Surprisingly, even individuals diagnosed with ADHD had difficulty discerning reliable videos from inaccurate ones. Additionally, about half of the TikTok creators studied were using their content to promote ADHD-related products or coaching services, but none were licensed mental health professionals.
The Dangers of Self-Diagnosis and Misleading Symptoms
Lead researcher Vasileia Karasavva, a doctoral student at the University of British Columbia, emphasized that ADHD symptoms are often oversimplified in TikTok videos. For instance, many videos mention difficulty focusing without acknowledging that this could also be linked to anxiety or depression.
“It’s important to allow people to express their experiences,” Karasavva said. “But when self-diagnosis is based on misleading content, it can prevent individuals from receiving the proper support they need.”
This study’s findings align with a 2022 report that found half of the most popular ADHD-related TikTok videos contained misleading information.
How TikTok ’s Algorithm Influences Public Perception of ADHD
The study examined the 100 most-viewed ADHD videos from January 2023, with two licensed clinical psychologists assessing whether they aligned with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). If the claims in a video were inconsistent with the DSM-5, the psychologists determined whether they were more applicable to a different condition or a general human experience.
More than 840 undergraduate students were also asked to rate the videos. Participants who frequently engaged with ADHD-related TikTok content were more likely to recommend both the most accurate and the most misleading videos, indicating that repeated exposure affects credibility perception.
Karasavva noted that TikTok’s algorithm plays a key role in spreading misinformation. “Seeing the same claims over and over can make them seem true, even when they aren’t backed by scientific evidence,” she explained.
The study also found that many students overestimated ADHD’s prevalence, showing how misinformation on social media can shape public understanding.
Margaret Sibley, a psychiatry professor at the University of Washington, warned that TikTok’s algorithm amplifies certain perspectives. “The loudest voices are often the ones that gain traction, even when they don’t provide the most accurate information,” she said.
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