What a New Study Found About ADHD Content on TikTok
- Paige Herman
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
If you have ever watched ADHD content on TikTok and thought, “wait… that sounds like me,” you are not alone.
A new peer-reviewed study is raising important questions about how ADHD is being portrayed online and how that may be shaping the way people understand themselves.
What the ADHD TikTok Study Examined
Researchers from the University of Groningen analyzed 100 of the most popular ADHD-related videos on TikTok.
Their goal was to evaluate how the behaviors and traits described in these videos compared to the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria used in clinical settings.
They also examined viewer responses to better understand how people were interpreting this content.
Key Findings From the ADHD TikTok Study
The results were notable and a bit concerning:
55% of traits attributed to ADHD did not align with clinical diagnostic criteria
Only about 1 in 5 videos were fully accurate
Most videos included a mix of accurate information and misinformation
About 59.6% of viewers reported identifying with the content
In other words, there was often a little truth mixed in with a lot of overgeneralization.
That matters because when something feels relatable, it can also start to feel diagnostic, even when it is not.
How ADHD Is Being Expanded on Social Media
The ADHD Tiktok Study uses the term “concept creep,” which refers to the gradual expansion of a definition over time.
On TikTok, that looked like:
Everyday experiences being labeled as ADHD
Traits related to other things, like anxiety, sensory sensitivities, overwhelm, or burnout, being grouped under ADHD
Broad, generalized experiences replacing more specific diagnostic criteria
The tricky part is that these experiences are still very real and very valid.
They just are not always specific to ADHD.Why People Are Relating So Strongly
One of the most important parts of the study was not just what creators were saying, but how viewers responded.
Many people:
Reported strongly identifying with the content
Accepted the behaviors shown as ADHD-related
Started questioning whether they might have ADHD themselves
And honestly… that makes sense.
A lot of these videos talk about things that many people experience, like procrastination, forgetfulness, emotional overwhelm, zoning out, struggling with motivation, or getting overstimulated.
The problem is that relating to a trait is not the same thing as meeting the criteria for a diagnosis.Why This Matters
When ADHD becomes too broad online, it can make it harder for people to understand what ADHD actually is.
ADHD is a specific neurodevelopmental condition with defined criteria. When the definition gets stretched to include almost everything, it can make it harder for people to know what is actually ADHD, what might be something else, and what kind of support they really need.
It can also shape how people see themselves.
If enough content tells you that certain experiences automatically mean ADHD, it is easy to start viewing yourself through that lens, even if the bigger picture is more nuanced.
Relatable Does Not Mean Diagnostic
This study is not saying people are wrong for relating to ADHD content.
A lot of the traits being discussed are real. A lot of them are hard. And a lot of people do feel seen for the first time through social media.
That part matters.
But feeling seen and being accurately informed are not always the same thing.
You can relate to a behavior without it automatically meaning ADHD. You can have a trait without meeting diagnostic criteria. And you can still deserve support, even if what you are experiencing turns out to be something else.Final Thoughts
Social media has made conversations about ADHD more accessible than ever before.
For many people, that has been validating, empowering, and genuinely helpful.
At the same time, this study is an important reminder that accuracy matters too.
Because when it comes to understanding how your brain works, feeling seen is important, but being accurately informed is essential.
All the best,
Paige
References:
de Vries, W., Batstra, L., & van Assen, A. “Exploring Concept Creep: Youth’s Portrayal of ADHD on TikTok.” SSM - Mental Health, vol. 8, 2025, article 100489. DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2025.100489
Paige Herman is a certified ADHD Life Coach serving Chicago’s North Shore and clients nationwide. Drawing on her experience as a licensed Learning Behavior Specialist, she brings clinical insight, classroom expertise, and a strong understanding of special education law when advocating for her clients.
She recently completed ADDCA’s Advanced ADHD & Life Coach Training Certification Program, deepening her expertise in executive functioning and neurodivergent support. Grounded in positive psychology, her work blends neuroscience and evidence-based coaching to support her clients in understanding how their brains work and build practical systems that work in real life.
Outside of coaching, Paige is a proud reality TV enthusiast and self-proclaimed Real Housewives superfan who loves exploring new restaurants across the city and bringing warmth and humor to the work she does.
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So much misinformation out there. Thank you for bringing this to light!