ARE SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS DRIVING ADHD SELF-DIAGNOSIS? EXPERTS URGE CAUTION

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has long been thought of as a childhood condition, one often associated with hyperactive schoolchildren unable to sit still in class. However, a growing number of adults are now starting to realize that their struggles with attention, focus, and restlessness may stem from undiagnosed ADHD. Thanks in part to social media trends and videos with millions of views, this once-stigmatized disorder is gaining new recognition among adults, helping to reshape how society understands ADHD.

A Growing Awareness: What the Numbers Say

A recent survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine sheds light on this new trend. In the survey, which included 1,006 American adults, 25 percent of respondents indicated that they suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD. Despite this, only 13 percent of those who suspected they had the disorder had shared these concerns with a healthcare provider.

The survey, conducted in August 2024, shows a clear shift in how adults are perceiving ADHD. Younger generations, in particular, are more likely to believe that they might have undiagnosed ADHD than older generations. This points to a growing awareness that ADHD doesn’t simply disappear when childhood ends. For many, symptoms like trouble focusing, impulsiveness, and restlessness can persist into adulthood, even if they were never officially diagnosed during their school years.

Researchers involved in the study note that there is a significant rise in awareness, in part due to the influence of social media. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a major role in destigmatizing the condition. The videos, often shared by content creators who discuss their personal experiences with ADHD, help people understand that symptoms aren’t just signs of laziness or a lack of discipline. Instead, they may be indicators of a neurological disorder that affects millions of people globally.

Understanding ADHD in Adults

ADHD is a condition characterized by a variety of symptoms, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty paying attention. While these symptoms are commonly associated with children, they often persist into adulthood. For many adults, their ADHD symptoms might be more subtle than the classic hyperactivity seen in children. Instead, they may experience difficulty staying organized, a constant sense of being overwhelmed, and struggles with staying focused during tasks, especially those that require sustained mental effort.

For years, the stereotype was that ADHD was a condition you grew out of as you matured. However, researchers and healthcare professionals have begun to challenge this notion, recognizing that ADHD can continue to impact people throughout their lives. Adult ADHD can interfere with work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life.

The Social Media Influence

In recent years, the rise of social media has been a game-changer in raising awareness about ADHD, particularly among adults. Videos that describe the experience of living with ADHD—often in a humorous or relatable way—have gone viral, reaching millions of people. These videos, combined with the personal stories of content creators, have helped reduce the stigma that surrounds the disorder. Many viewers now realize that what they previously dismissed as personal failings—being easily distracted, feeling overwhelmed by mundane tasks, or struggling with time management—could actually be symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD.

This awareness is especially significant in helping people see ADHD in a new light. Rather than being seen as a lack of effort or discipline, ADHD is increasingly understood as a legitimate neurological condition that requires treatment and management. The fact that ADHD can have a genetic component is also becoming more widely recognized, with many adults realizing that if their child has been diagnosed with the condition, it’s possible that they, too, may have been living with undiagnosed ADHD for years.

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

While increased awareness of ADHD is undoubtedly a positive step, healthcare professionals are also voicing concerns about the potential downsides of this trend. One of the key concerns is the risk of self-diagnosis. According to the survey, while many adults suspect they may have ADHD, few have sought professional medical advice. Self-diagnosis can be risky because ADHD shares symptoms with other conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Without a proper diagnosis, individuals may seek inappropriate treatment, which could worsen their symptoms rather than provide relief.

Dr. Luan Phan, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ohio State University, emphasizes the importance of seeking a professional evaluation if someone suspects they have ADHD. “Anxiety, depression, and ADHD—all these things can look a lot alike,” Phan explains. “But the wrong treatment can make things worse instead of helping that person feel better and improving their functioning.”

This cautionary note is particularly important because ADHD treatment often involves a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Medications, such as stimulants or non-stimulants, can be highly effective in managing symptoms, but they must be prescribed based on a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Behavioral therapy, which teaches strategies for managing time, staying organized, and improving focus, can also play a vital role in treatment.

Challenges in Seeking Treatment

For many adults, the road to getting an official ADHD diagnosis can be daunting. The survey revealed that only a small percentage of those who suspected they had ADHD actually brought it up with a doctor. This may be due in part to lingering stigma or a belief that their symptoms aren’t severe enough to warrant medical attention. However, ADHD can significantly impact daily life, and getting a proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Healthcare experts strongly advise against self-diagnosing based on social media content alone. Instead, they encourage individuals to discuss their concerns with their primary care provider, who can then refer them to a mental health expert for a formal diagnosis. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician can conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether someone meets the criteria for ADHD or if their symptoms are related to another condition.

Looking Ahead: Increased Awareness and Support

The rising awareness of ADHD in adults is a positive trend that could lead to more people getting the help they need. With the influence of social media, conversations about ADHD have shifted, moving away from stigmatizing labels like “lazy” or “unmotivated” to a more compassionate understanding of the disorder. This change in perception is helping adults realize that their struggles with attention, focus, and restlessness aren’t personal failings but symptoms of a manageable condition.

However, as awareness grows, so too does the need for education about the importance of professional diagnosis and treatment. While social media can play an important role in spreading awareness, it cannot replace the expertise of trained healthcare providers. For those who suspect they may have ADHD, taking the next step—seeking a professional evaluation—can be life-changing, offering them the tools and support they need to better manage their condition and improve their quality of life.