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A double-edged hashtag: Evaluation of #ADHD-related TikTok content and its associations with perceptions of ADHD

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  • Vasileia Karasavva
  • Caroline Miller
  • Nicole Groves
  • Andrés Montiel
  • Will Canu
  • Amori Mikami

Abstract

We aimed to assess the psychoeducational quality of TikTok content about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from the perspective of both mental health professionals and young adults across two pre-registered studies. In Study 1, two clinical psychologists with expertise in ADHD evaluated the claims (accuracy, nuance, overall quality as psychoeducation material) made in the top 100 #ADHD TikTok videos. Despite the videos’ immense popularity (collectively amassing nearly half a billion views), fewer than 50% of the claims about ADHD symptoms were judged to align with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In Study 2, 843 undergraduate students (no ADHD = 224, ADHD self-diagnosis = 421, ADHD formal diagnosis = 198) were asked about their typical frequency of viewing #ADHD content on TikTok and their perceptions of ADHD and were shown the top 5 and bottom 5 psychologist-rated videos from Study 1. A greater typical frequency of watching ADHD-related TikToks was linked to a greater willingness to recommend both the top and bottom-rated videos from Study 1, after controlling for demographics and ADHD diagnostic status. It was also linked to estimating a higher prevalence of ADHD in the general population and greater challenges faced by those with ADHD. Our findings highlight a discrepancy between mental health professionals and young adults regarding the psychoeducational value of #ADHD content on TikTok. Addressing this is crucial to improving access to treatment and enhancing support for those with ADHD.

Suggested Citation

  • Vasileia Karasavva & Caroline Miller & Nicole Groves & Andrés Montiel & Will Canu & Amori Mikami, 2025. "A double-edged hashtag: Evaluation of #ADHD-related TikTok content and its associations with perceptions of ADHD," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(3), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0319335
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319335
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