In the age of social media, platforms like TikTok have become popular sources of information on a wide range of health topics, including mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). However, a recent study highlights a concerning trend: the vast majority of ADHD-related diagnostic content on TikTok is misleading or inaccurate.

Examining the Accuracy of ADHD Content on TikTok

A team of researchers from New Zealand recently published a study in the journal Australasian Psychiatry investigating the reliability of ADHD diagnostic videos on TikTok. The researchers selected the 50 most popular videos under the hashtag #ADHDtest and evaluated their content. Their goal was to determine whether these videos contained information that could help viewers accurately screen for ADHD or whether they were likely to mislead.

To assess accuracy, the researchers looked for the presence of established ADHD screening criteria, such as the six questions from the adult ADHD screening scale commonly used in research (though not for formal diagnosis). These criteria focus on symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which are central to ADHD but must be assessed in context.

Key Findings: A Landscape Dominated by Misinformation

The results were striking:

• 92% of the videos were classified as misleading.
  These videos did not contain any information that could reliably help viewers determine whether they might have ADHD. Instead, they often presented vague or incorrect symptoms, oversimplified the diagnostic process, or promoted self-diagnosis without context.
• Only 8% of the videos were found to be useful.
  Even among these few useful videos, engagement was low: just 4% received likes, 7% were marked as favorites, and only 1% generated comments.

This means that viewers searching TikTok for information about ADHD diagnosis are overwhelmingly likely to encounter content that is inaccurate or even potentially harmful.

Why Is This a Problem?

The popularity of misleading ADHD content on TikTok is problematic for several reasons:

• No Simple Test Exists:
  There is no single test—on TikTok or anywhere else—that can diagnose ADHD in children or adults. ADHD diagnosis is a comprehensive process involving clinical interviews, detailed personal and developmental history, and comparison of reported symptoms to established criteria (such as those in the DSM-5). Clinicians also assess symptom persistence, severity, pervasiveness across different settings, and the degree of impairment in daily life.
• The Role of Rating Scales and Screeners:
  While rating scales and brief screeners can be helpful tools for identifying potential ADHD symptoms, they are not diagnostic on their own. These tools are typically used to guide further assessment, not to make a definitive diagnosis.
• Potential for Harm:
  Misinformation can lead individuals to self-diagnose incorrectly, delay seeking professional help, or misunderstand the nature of ADHD. This can result in unnecessary anxiety, stigma, or missed opportunities for effective intervention.

What Should You Do If You Suspect ADHD?

If you or someone you know is concerned about ADHD, it’s important to seek guidance from qualified health professionals. Here’s what the diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Clinical Interview:
   A thorough interview with a mental health professional to discuss symptoms, history, and functioning in various areas of life.
2. Symptom Assessment:
   Comparison of reported symptoms to standardized diagnostic criteria, such as those in the DSM-5.
3. Evaluation of Impairment:
   Determining whether symptoms are severe, persistent, and interfere with major life activities.
4. Use of Rating Scales:
   These can provide additional information but are not used in isolation for diagnosis.
5. Consideration of Other Factors:
   Screening for intellectual disabilities, learning disorders, or other conditions that may impact attention and behavior.

The Bottom Line

Social media platforms like TikTok can be valuable for raising awareness and building community, but they are not reliable sources for diagnosing complex conditions like ADHD. The overwhelming majority of ADHD diagnostic videos on TikTok are misleading and should not be used as a substitute for professional evaluation.

If you are seeking information or support for ADHD, consult reputable medical organizations, mental health professionals, or trusted educational resources. And if you come across ADHD “tests” or diagnostic checklists on social media, approach them with caution and skepticism.