#ADHDtest: Navigating Misinformation About ADHD on TikTok

Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Because social media platforms tend to dominate conversations about health and wellness, it’s no surprise that TikTok has become a hub for discussions about ADHD.

With its short, engaging video format and a powerful algorithm designed to maximize interaction, TikTok has enabled millions to share their stories, educate, and connect.

But what happens when the information shared is inaccurate?

A recent study published in Australasian Psychiatry sheds light on this critical issue, finding that 92% of TikTok videos tagged with #ADHDtest contain misleading content!

This trend is not just alarming—it’s deeply concerning for folks and families seeking clarity about ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that can profoundly impact lives.

Why ADHD Misdiagnosis Matters

ADHD is more than a buzzword or a trend. It’s a condition characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can affect a person’s ability to thrive at school, work, and home.

While tools like the World Health Organization’s Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) provide an evidence-based starting point for identifying symptoms, an accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a qualified professional.

Misdiagnosis or self-diagnosis, often fueled by inaccurate online content, can lead to inappropriate treatment, stigmatization, or even dismissal of the condition's seriousness.

TikTok’s Role in ADHD Conversations

Since its inception, TikTok has become a powerful force in the digital landscape, amplifying voices on topics ranging from mental health to dance trends.

ADHD-related content has gained particular traction, especially among adolescents and young adults who may resonate with personal accounts and quick, relatable explanations.

However, the platform’s algorithm favors content that is engaging and entertaining—qualities often at odds with the nuanced and evidence-based discussions required for complex conditions like ADHD.

The Rise of #ADHDtest

The hashtag #ADHDtest has become a popular trend on TikTok, offering viewers quick, often oversimplified ways to "determine" whether they might have ADHD.

But as the study led by Dr. Smita Verma and her team at Waikato Hospital reveals, these videos are more misleading than helpful.

The Alarming Findings

Dr. Verma’s research team analyzed the top 50 videos tagged with #ADHDtest, finding that:

• 92% of videos were misleading.
  These videos often included unsupported “tests” or sensational claims about ADHD symptoms.

• Engagement favored inaccuracy.
  Misleading videos accounted for 96% of total likes, 99% of comments, and 93% of favorites.

• Captivating but inaccurate formats dominate.
  Popular formats included ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos or “dot tests,” which claimed to reveal ADHD symptoms but had no scientific basis.

In stark contrast, the few accurate videos, which aligned with validated ADHD screening tools like the ASRS, struggled to gain traction.

The Human Cost of Misinformation

For those living with ADHD—or wondering if they might have it—this flood of misinformation can be overwhelming and harmful. It trivializes the struggles faced by individuals with ADHD and creates confusion about what the condition entails.

Many videos misattribute common experiences, such as occasional forgetfulness or difficulty focusing, as definitive signs of ADHD. This oversimplification risks convincing viewers they have ADHD when they don’t—or worse, discouraging those who need help from seeking proper care.

Dr. Verma emphasized, “At present, the average person should not use TikTok as a reliable source of information on ADHD. Reliable sources of information should be sought, such as from their own health professionals.”

How to Navigate ADHD Content Online

If you or someone you love is exploring the possibility of having ADHD, here are a few tips for finding reliable information:

• Start with trusted sources.
  Consult healthcare professionals or validated tools like the ASRS.

• Be critical of oversimplified content.
  ADHD is a complex condition, and no short video or test can replace a professional evaluation.

• Engage with credible creators.
  Look for mental health professionals who base their content on peer-reviewed research.

• Recognize the power of self-reflection.
  While self-awareness is important, it’s not a substitute for clinical insight.

• Support accurate creators.
  Engage with and share content that prioritizes accuracy over virality. Yeah, easier said than done, and extremely counter-intuitive.

Creating a More Informed Future

The findings of this study align with earlier research from The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, which found that ADHD content on TikTok often oversimplifies the disorder.

Moving forward, platforms like TikTok must take more responsibility for moderating health-related content to ensure it informs rather than misleads.

As individuals and communities, we can also play a role. By sharing and supporting accurate, compassionate content, we can help demystify ADHD and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCES:

Verma, S., & Sinha, S. K. (2024). How evidence-based is the ‘hashtag ADHD test’ (#adhdtest)? A cross-sectional content analysis of TikTok videos on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) screening. Australasian Psychiatry.