Put a Finger Down if TikTok Made You Think You Have ADHD
#ADHD #MentalHealth #Pill4MePharmacy
In today’s digital age, social media platforms like TikTok have become go-to sources for health and wellness content. One of the fastest-growing topics on TikTok? ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Hashtags like #ADHD and #ADHDTiktok have garnered tens of billions of views, especially among young adults.
At Pill4Me Pharmacy in Chilliwack, we believe in bridging the gap between mental health awareness and reliable healthcare information. With more than 2.5 billion active TikTok users globally, and 60% of them under 35, it’s no surprise that ADHD awareness has taken off on the app. But how accurate is this information?
Let’s break it down.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 5–9% of children and 5% of adults in Canada. Common ADHD symptoms include:
- Inattention – trouble focusing, losing things, frequent mistakes
- Hyperactivity – restlessness, fidgeting
- Impulsivity – interrupting others, impatience
ADHD looks different for everyone. Diagnosis involves comprehensive evaluations, including interviews, questionnaires, and third-party observations.
The Rise of ADHD Content on TikTok
Many adults, particularly women and people of colour, are underdiagnosed because they don’t fit the “typical” ADHD profile. TikTok offers a space to share personal stories and normalize lived experiences. But here’s the catch—virality often wins over accuracy.
For example:
- Procrastination is common in ADHD but also occurs in depression—or just day-to-day life.
- Clumsiness, like walking into doors, is not an official ADHD symptom—but might be humorously framed as one online.
What the Research Says: TikTok ADHD Content is Often Inaccurate
A study led by UBC’s Promoting Equitable, Affirming Relationships Lab analyzed the top 100 #ADHD TikToks.
🔍 Findings included:
- 94% of videos lacked credible sources
- Over 50% contained claims not supported by science
- Many promoted products or services, raising questions about bias
Source: Vasileia Karasavva (Clinical Psychology PhD student) and Amori Yee Mikami (Professor of Psychology, UBC)
How ADHD TikToks Affect Young Adults
Researchers studied 843 university students (18–25 years old) and found that:
- Watching more ADHD TikToks made users less critical of the content
- Students overestimated ADHD prevalence (by up to 10x)
- Viewers felt worse about their own symptoms after watching these videos
Interestingly, even after watching a professional psychologist debunk inaccurate content, self-diagnosed viewers stayed convinced they had ADHD.
Key Takeaway: Be Informed, Not Influenced
At Pill4Me Pharmacy Chilliwack, we support mental health advocacy—but also encourage critical thinking. Here’s how you can evaluate ADHD content online:
✅ Check the source – Is it from a hospital, university, or ADHD advocacy group?
✅ Look for credentials – Is the creator a psychologist or medical professional?
✅ Crosscheck facts – Compare info with trusted sources like Health Canada or WHO
✅ Avoid absolutes – ADHD is a complex, nuanced condition
✅ Follow the money – Is someone selling you a cure, supplement, or diagnosis?
The Bottom Line
TikTok has empowered many to speak up and find community—which is a positive step. But mental health content must be rooted in science, compassion, and credibility.
If you or someone you know is wondering about ADHD diagnosis or symptom management, speak with a licensed healthcare professional. Our pharmacists at Pill4Me Pharmacy are here to help connect you to the right resources, whether that’s a local doctor, therapist, or a virtual care provider.
Let’s make mental healthcare in Chilliwack and across BC accessible, accurate, and stigma-free.
References:
- Vasileia Karasavva, Clinical Psychology PhD Student, UBC
- Amori Yee Mikami, Professor of Psychology, UBC
- This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence.