The Relationship Between TikTok Use and Self-Diagnosis of ADHD: Exploring the Influence of Mental Health Videos on Diagnosis-Seeking Behavior

Abstract

The rise in the use of social media platforms such as TikTok has raised concerns regarding its impact on mental health, specifically on the self-diagnosis of mental disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study investigates the relationship between TikTok usage, self-diagnosis of ADHD, and the decision to seek a professional ADHD diagnosis among young adults aged 18-35 undergoing neuropsychological testing in eastern Massachusetts (N = 60). The study used the Barkley Childhood and Current Symptoms Scale – Self-Report Forms and the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – TikTok Impact Questionnaire (ADHD-TIQ), developed for this research, to assess participants' ADHD symptoms, TikTok engagement, and perceptions of ADHD-related content on the platform. Key findings reveal a significant positive correlation between time spent on TikTok and current hyperactivity symptoms, r(60) = 0.31, p = .015. A one-way ANOVA showed that individuals who spent more than an hour daily on TikTok were significantly more likely to report current hyperactivity symptoms, F(4, 64) = 6.12, p = .017, and had a higher likelihood of reporting the platform influenced their decision to seek a professional ADHD diagnosis, χ2(N = 60) = 3.86, p = .049. Participants who viewed TikTok as their primary source of ADHD information also perceived the content as more accurate and were more likely to seek a diagnosis. These findings suggest that increased TikTok engagement, particularly with ADHD-related content, may contribute to both higher self-reported ADHD symptoms and an increased inclination to seek professional evaluation. Further research is encouraged to explore the mechanisms underlying these relationships and to develop strategies for promoting accurate mental health information on social media platforms.