More than half of TikTok ADHD content is misinformation, new research finds
The Independent • • health
Key Points:
- A study by the University of East Anglia found that over half (52%) of ADHD-related videos on TikTok contain misinformation, with TikTok showing higher levels of inaccurate mental health content compared to other platforms.
- Researchers analyzed more than 5,000 posts on various platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X, finding misinformation rates as high as 56% for neurodivergence topics like ADHD and autism.
- Content created by healthcare professionals was more accurate but constitutes only a small portion of mental health information online, prompting calls for better evidence-based content, improved moderation, and standardized misinformation assessment tools.
- The study highlights risks of misinformation such as delayed diagnosis, increased stigma, and harmful treatment advice, while Tik
