What Social Media Gets Right and Wrong About ADHD

A recent study published in PLOS One sheds light on the influence of ADHD-related content on TikTok. The article, "A Double-Edged Hashtag: Evaluation of #ADHD-related TikTok Content and Its Associations with Perceptions of ADHD," examines how TikTok shapes public perceptions of ADHD and the risks of misinformation.

With Gen Z (64%) and Millennials (49%) citing TikTok as a primary source of information, it’s crucial to understand how content on the platform affects public understanding of mental health. Social media can be an accessible tool for learning, but it’s also a major source of misinformation, especially when it comes to health and science.

How TikTok Shapes ADHD Awareness

The study focused on two main aspects:

1️⃣ How ADHD information is presented, accessed, and evaluated on TikTok
2️⃣ How this content influences viewers' perceptions of ADHD

While social media has the potential to spread awareness, the study found significant risks related to misinformation, self-diagnosis, and overgeneralization of symptoms.

The Study Breakdown

The research was conducted in two phases:

1. Content Analysis of #ADHD TikTok Videos

Researchers analyzed the top 100 most popular videos under the hashtag #ADHD, assessing them based on likes and engagement. Clinical psychologists then evaluated these videos for accuracy, educational value, and whether they aligned with official ADHD diagnostic criteria (DSM-5).

The results were concerning. Less than half of the videos contained scientifically accurate information, and 93.9% of videos did not reference any source for their claims. Even more alarming, only 20.4% of creators shared their credentials. Of those who did:

• 83.6% cited lived experience as their qualification.

• 13.1% were life coaches.

• 1.6% were therapists or counselors, though they did not specify their license status.

• 1.6% were licensed at the MA level (e.g., licensed clinical social workers or marriage and family therapists).

• None were licensed at the PhD, PsyD, or MD level (e.g., clinical psychologists or psychiatrists).

2. Survey of TikTok Users' Perceptions of ADHD

In the second phase, 843 undergraduate students were surveyed about their ADHD-related TikTok consumption. The findings revealed that frequent exposure to ADHD TikTok content led to overestimation of the disorder’s prevalence and severity. Many participants were more likely to self-diagnose or misinterpret normal behaviors as ADHD symptoms.

The study also found a confirmation bias effect, where users were more likely to trust and share content that aligned with their pre-existing beliefs, regardless of its accuracy.

The Double-Edged Sword of ADHD Content on Social Media

Social media has both benefits and risks when it comes to ADHD awareness.

On the positive side, TikTok has helped normalize conversations about ADHD, reduce stigma, validate lived experiences, and create accessible communities for those seeking support. Additionally, some individuals may recognize symptoms and seek professional help because of ADHD-related content.

However, the downsides are significant. Many ADHD TikTok videos oversimplify or exaggerate symptoms, leading to widespread misinformation. Because ADHD symptoms overlap with other conditions—such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD—self-diagnosis can result in people misunderstanding their mental health needs. Additionally, many ADHD symptoms are shared human experiences (like forgetfulness or losing focus), which can lead to the over-pathologizing of normal behaviors.

Another major issue is TikTok’s engagement-driven algorithm. The platform prioritizes entertaining and relatable content over scientifically accurate information, meaning misleading videos often go viral while accurate information remains buried.

Why Is Misinformation So Common?

Several factors contribute to the spread of ADHD misinformation on social media.

First, there’s the Echo-Chamber Effect—when users repeatedly see content that aligns with their beliefs, they begin to perceive it as more credible and are more likely to share it. This reinforces misconceptions and makes it harder for accurate information to gain traction.

Second, there’s no fact-checking or vetting process for mental health content on TikTok, allowing misinformation to spread unchecked. Many of the most popular ADHD-related claims on social media are based solely on personal experience rather than scientific evidence.

Lastly, ADHD symptoms are often overgeneralized, making it easy for people to see themselves in TikTok videos and assume they have the disorder. While lived experience is valuable, it should not replace professional diagnosis and medical expertise.

What Can We Do About It?

For Mental Health Professionals:

• Engage with social media—Accurate, evidence-based ADHD content needs to compete with viral misinformation.

• Fill the information gap—Many influencers discuss ADHD because there weren’t enough professionals making content in an accessible way.

For Social Media Users:

• Be a critical consumer—Just because a video is relatable doesn’t mean it’s accurate.

• Seek professional guidance—Don’t rely solely on social media for mental health advice.

For Social Media Platforms:

• Prioritize fact-checking—Algorithms should boost medically accurate content rather than favoring engagement-driven misinformation.

Final Thoughts

This study highlights that TikTok is both a valuable tool and a source of risk when it comes to ADHD awareness. While it helps start conversations, reduce stigma, and build community, the spread of misleading content can lead to self-diagnosis, misinformation, and pathologizing normal behaviors.

If you're looking for ADHD information, don’t rely solely on TikTok. Instead, seek guidance from qualified mental health professionals and reputable sources to ensure accuracy.

If you’d like to do a deeper dive, the article can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319335

Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s: Recognizing and Preventing Caregiver Burnout

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is a journey filled with both love and hardship. While the emotional rewards of being there for a family member are profound, the demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, often leading to caregiver burnout. This state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion can take a toll on both the caregiver and the person receiving care. Recognizing the signs of burnout and implementing strategies for self-care are crucial in maintaining both personal well-being and the quality of care provided.

Understanding Caregiver Burnout

Burn out in general is caused in environments where an individual feels a low sense of control, but the situation is in high demand of resources. Caregiver burnout specifically occurs when the demands of providing continuous support exceed the caregiver’s physical and emotional resources. Alzheimer’s disease, in particular, presents unique challenges, as caregivers must manage memory loss, personality changes, wandering, and the eventual loss of independence in their loved ones. Over time, these stressors can lead to exhaustion and feelings of helplessness.

Signs of Caregiver Burnout

If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, it is essential to recognize the warning signs of burnout early. These can include:

• Persistent fatigue and exhaustion

• Increased irritability or frustration

• Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression

• Social withdrawal and isolation

• Difficulty sleeping or experiencing frequent headaches

• A sense of hopelessness or feeling trapped

• Declining physical health, including weight changes and weakened immune function

Strategies to Prevent and Manage Burnout

Preventing burnout requires proactive self-care and support. Here are some strategies to help caregivers maintain their well-being:

1. Seek Support

Caregiving should never be a solitary journey. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your experiences. Connecting with others who understand your challenges can provide emotional relief and practical advice.

2. Take Breaks

Respite care services, adult day programs, or enlisting the help of other family members can give you much-needed breaks. Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge and return to caregiving with renewed energy.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

When possible, caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s exercising, reading, meditating, or simply enjoying a hobby. Ensuring you eat well, sleep enough, and exercise regularly can significantly improve your resilience. If you can’t get away or opportunities to do your own thing are rare, engaging in parallel care might be the cure. For example, read a book while your loved one naps nearby, listen to an engaging podcast while tidying up, go on a walk together outside etc. Squeezing in time for something you enjoy when you can, even when the opportunity feels small.

4. Educate Yourself

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease can help you manage its progression with greater confidence. Learning about what to expect at each stage of the illness can help you plan ahead and reduce anxiety.

5. Consider Professional Help

If feelings of depression, anxiety, or exhaustion become overwhelming, speaking with a counselor or therapist can provide coping strategies and emotional support. Seeking professional assistance is not a sign of weakness but an essential step in maintaining your well-being.

6. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, and mindfulness meditation can help manage stress and improve emotional well-being. Even small moments of relaxation can have a big impact on your mental health.

You Are Not Alone

The journey of caregiving is filled with challenges, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. By recognizing the signs of burnout and prioritizing your own well-being, you can continue to provide the compassionate care your loved one needs while safeguarding your own health. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking care of yourself ultimately benefits both you and your loved one.

If you or someone you know is struggling with caregiver burnout, reach out to local support groups, healthcare professionals, or organizations specializing in Alzheimer’s care for guidance and relief. Caring for a loved one is an act of love, but caring for yourself is just as important.

- Dr. Westbrook