A new study highlights the gap between how ADHD is portrayed in popular TikTok videos and its clinical reality. Experts warn that the content may mislead viewers, particularly when it comes to understanding the condition’s true symptoms.
Researchers had two clinical psychologists, specializing in ADHD, review 100 of the most popular TikTok videos related to the disorder. ADHD, which affects concentration, impulse control, and hyperactivity, was inaccurately represented in nearly half of the videos, the study found. Specifically, only 48.7% of the claims in these videos aligned with symptoms as outlined in the diagnostic manual.
To explore the impact of these videos, the study’s authors had over 800 undergraduate students evaluate a selection of the videos rated by experts as either reliable or unreliable. The results revealed a stark difference between how the medical professionals and the students rated the content. The videos that experts deemed most accurate were rated significantly lower by the students, scoring an average of just 2.8 out of 5, compared to the experts’ rating of 3.6 out of 5. Meanwhile, the videos the psychologists rated as the least reliable scored 2.3 out of 5 from the students, a much higher rating than the 1.1 given by the experts.
In a statement, Dr. Blandine French, a senior research fellow at the University of Nottingham, acknowledged the study’s importance but expressed concern about viewers trusting TikTok content as a credible source of information. “The lack of nuance, evidence base, and reliability of these videos is very high,” she said, stressing the need for caution when engaging with such content.
The study also examined the credentials of TikTok creators producing ADHD-related content. Despite the massive popularity of these videos, which accumulated nearly half a billion views, most creators lacked formal qualifications. Just 20% mentioned their credentials in the video, and only 1.6% identified themselves as licensed mental health professionals. The majority, 83.6%, claimed to speak from personal experience, while a smaller number were life coaches. Additionally, many of the creators were involved in product promotions or sought financial compensation for their content.
The study further revealed that individuals who had a self-diagnosis or an official diagnosis of ADHD tended to watch these videos more frequently. However, the findings indicated a potential risk: those with a self-diagnosis were less able to critically assess the quality of the information, compared to those with a formal diagnosis.
Vasileia Karasavva, a PhD student in clinical psychology at the University of British Columbia and lead author of the study, highlighted the potential benefits and drawbacks of TikTok. “While TikTok can be an incredible tool for raising awareness and reducing stigma, it also has a downside,” she explained. “When personal anecdotes and experiences are shared without proper context, it can lead to misunderstandings about ADHD and mental health in general.”
The researchers concluded that their study serves as a “starting point” for understanding how ADHD is depicted on TikTok. Given the rapid growth of social media, they hope it will prompt further research into the influence of these platforms on public perceptions of mental health.
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