With more than 20 billion views of the hashtag #ADHD, some people have turned to TikTok to self-diagnose the condition rather than wait for a formal assessment.
BBC journalist, Ben Moore, investigates for Access All having started his own pathway to diagnosis on the social media platform. Henry Shelford from ADHD UK gives advice on what to do if all this sounds very familiar. And why he thinks the name of the condition doesn’t accurately reflect what it is.
And British Comedian of the Year,…
2023-02-10 08:37:06
Source from www.bbc.co.uk
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis has become a trending topic on the popular social media platform, TikTok. With its various user-generated videos, viewers can easily access information about the different symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD.
Recent years have seen an increase in the number of children and adolescents being diagnosed with ADHD. It is estimated that over 6 million children in the United States alone have been diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is a complex disorder, and the diagnosis process can be complex. Due to its complexity, it is important to have knowledgeable professionals involved in the process.
Unfortunately, many people are self-diagnosing on the internet, taking advice from online publications and social media such as TikTok. TikTok has become a repository for information about ADHD. It is full of instructional videos, personal accounts of experience with the disorder and advice from other users that may not have formal training in psychology.
The concern with relying on TikTok for understanding ADHD is that the videos often provide medical advice that is not scientifically supported. While the viewer may think they are learning the facts, they are not getting the most accurate information. Furthermore, TikTok user-generated videos can present a biased story or opinion which can be misleading.
It is important to note that self-diagnosis of ADHD without proper medical input is not recommended. In addition, if a child is showing symptoms of ADHD, a professional should be consulted in order to properly diagnose and treat the individual.
Overall, while TikTok has seen a rise in awareness of ADHD, it is important to consult with an expert in order to accurately diagnose and treat the disorder. ADHD is a complex disorder and self-diagnosis is not recommended.