Richard Parks A new study reveals that many of the most popular TikTok videos about ADHD may not accurately reflect the condition’s symptoms. Researchers found that nearly half of the claims made in widely viewed videos on the platform are inconsistent with established diagnostic criteria. The findings raise concerns about misinformation on social media and its impact on young audiences.
Experts vs. Viewers: A Widening Perception Gap
The study involved two clinical psychologists specializing in ADHD who assessed 100 of TikTok’s most popular videos on the disorder. They determined that only 48.7% of the claims were consistent with recognized diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
The researchers then asked over 800 university students to watch 10 of these videos. Five were deemed most accurate, while the other five were the least reliable according to the psychologists’ evaluations. The findings showed a significant difference in how experts and young viewers rated the content.
Experts rated the most accurate videos at an average of 3.6 out of 5, while the same videos received a lower score of 2.8 from students. For the least reliable videos, experts gave them an average score of 1.1, yet students still rated them 2.3—more than twice as high. This discrepancy suggests that young viewers may struggle to distinguish credible information from misleading content.
Concerns Over Questionable Sources and Financial Interests
The study found that many ADHD-related videos on TikTok lack credible sources. Only about 20% of creators provided their credentials, and only 1.6% identified themselves as licensed mental health professionals. Instead, most creators cited “lived experience” rather than professional expertise.
Additionally, nearly half of the creators promoted products or sought financial gain, raising questions about potential biases influencing the information being shared.
Risks of Misinformation for Self-Diagnosed Individuals
The researchers noted that self-diagnosed individuals were more likely to trust inaccurate videos compared to those with a clinical diagnosis. Dr. Blandine French, a researcher at the University of Nottingham, described this trend as “potentially worrying,” pointing out that self-diagnosed individuals may have difficulty assessing the quality of the information they consume.
Lead author Vasileia Karasavva emphasized that while TikTok can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness, it also carries risks. “Personal experiences are powerful, but without context, they can lead to misunderstandings about ADHD and mental health,” she warned.