More than half of TikTok videos about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are inaccurate, study finds.
Doctors warn social media spreads inaccurate ADHD content
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. It involves differences in dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission that affect executive function, attention, and affective control.
ADHD manifests differently in each individual, and with appropriate support, people with the condition can effectively leverage their cognitive and creative strengths in academic, occupational, and social contexts.
With awareness and diagnoses of ADHD rising in recent years, many young people are turning to social media to learn more about the condition. However, the quality of information online can vary widely, and misleading content may spread rapidly.
To investigate this, researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) analysed over 5,000 social media posts covering ADHD and other mental health topics.
The study examined content on platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), looking at ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, eating disorders, and phobias.
Researchers found that 52% of ADHD content and 41% of autism videos on TikTok contained misinformation - higher than on any other platform. YouTube showed 22% inaccurate posts, while Facebook had just under 15%.
Dr Eleanor Chatburn from UEA’s Norwich Medical School told The Telegraph: “Our work uncovered misinformation rates on social media as high as 56 per cent. This highlights how easily engaging videos can spread widely online, even when the information isn’t always accurate.
"Social media has become an important place where many young people learn about mental health, but the quality of this information can vary greatly. This means that misleading content can circulate quickly, particularly if there aren’t accessible and reliable sources available.”
The study highlighted that material created by healthcare professionals was far more reliable, but professional voices make up only a small fraction of online mental health content. The team is urging organisations and clinicians to create evidence-based resources, improve moderation, and develop tools to assess content accuracy.
Dr Chatburn added: “Misinformation can lead to misunderstandings about serious conditions, pathologise normal behaviour, and delay diagnosis for those who genuinely need help. False ideas can reinforce stigma and discourage people from seeking support. Misleading treatment advice can also prevent timely care and worsen outcomes.”