Stephanie Miller, known online as @stephclairsmith, decided to openly discuss her recent ADHD diagnosis on social media while being mindful of the misinformation surrounding the disorder. Having grown up with misconceptions about ADHD, she was determined to avoid propagating these myths.
Research indicates that a significant portion of TikTok content relating to ADHD is misleading. A study from the University of British Columbia found that over half of the top 100 #ADHD videos contained inaccurate information, failing to align with clinically recognised symptoms as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Such misinformation can skew public perception and understanding of ADHD.
Professor David Coghill from the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association explained that many creators of ADHD content on social media may not intend to misinform. He noted that often, symptoms are oversimplified or misrepresented, leading viewers to a misinformed understanding of the condition. Miller echoed this sentiment, highlighting that quick social media formats can dilute the complexity of ADHD, potentially leading to harmful oversimplifications.
Queensland psychologist Rebecca McWilliam pointed out that the lack of formal training among many content creators contributes to the proliferation of inaccurate information. She cautioned against generalised claims, self-diagnosis, and pseudoscientific treatments that can mislead individuals about ADHD symptoms and behaviours.
Both McWilliam and Coghill expressed concern that the spread of misinformation could lead to individuals self-diagnosing and seeking inappropriate assessments. They emphasised that comprehensive evaluations cannot be performed in brief consultations, and adequate assessment resources are currently scarce in Australia.
With a substantial following across major platforms, Miller aims to use her influence responsibly to raise awareness about ADHD, acknowledging her role is to share her journey rather than assert expertise. To provide reliable information, she launched the ‘It’s My ADHD’ mini-series on her KICPOD podcast, featuring expert interviews to clarify misconceptions surrounding the disorder.
Experts believe social media can facilitate constructive conversations about ADHD, but it’s crucial for consumers to seek content authored or supported by professionals. They also urge platforms like TikTok to actively monitor and fact-check ADHD-related content to combat misinformation.
Ultimately, the goal is to enhance ADHD awareness while ensuring that discussions remain rooted in accuracy and ethical standards. Individuals are encouraged to verify ADHD information through credible resources like the AADPA website or qualified health professionals.