By: Hannah Bazinaw

For many years, there’s been a stigma around open discussions about mental disorders. Social media platforms, such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, have allowed young people to be more open about mental health and disabilities. At first glance, this seems as though this is almost entirely a positive. The unfortunate truth is that such openness has its drawbacks. 

TikTok, one of the leading social media platforms, has given voices to disabled content creators. These disabled creators go on to make videos that spread awareness about their disabilities. 

One disability that has recently seen the limelight is ADHD. ADHD is a neurological disorder that not only shares similarities with other neurological disorders, but also goes hand in hand with mental illnesses. The wide range of symptoms related to ADHD has the potential to lead to misdiagnosis.

Since the beginning of quarantine, it has been observed that ADHD diagnoses have spiked.  

At best, TikTok is spreading information and destigmatizing disorders. At worst, these videos are perpetuating stereotypes, oversimplifying the disorder and promoting self diagnosis. The reality most likely lies somewhere in the middle. While it is good that more awareness is being brought to ADHD and the hardships and complications related to the neurological disorder, it is important that individuals seek legitimate, psychiatric evaluations for these disorders rather than just self-diagnosing.

Dr. Olivardia, of ADDitudemag.com, said “Being excited or bubbly does not mean you have ADHD. These videos do a disservice to people who truly have ADHD. It lends to lowering credibility of the diagnosis.”