One in four adults believe they have “hidden” ADHD, and scientists have claimed social media is driving a wave of self-diagnosis.
However, only half (13 percent) had sought medical help, the US-based experts behind a new study tracking the trend found.
Investigation shows that fewer than one in 20 people in the UK suffer from this disorder, characterized by difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
These figures, they added, raised concern that other health problems causing similar symptoms might go undiagnosed.
“Anxiety, depression and ADHD are things that can be very similar,” said lead researcher Professor Justin Barterian, a psychologist at Ohio State University.
Research shows that fewer than one in 20 people in the UK suffer from this developmental disorder, characterized by difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
A 2022 study published in the journal European Psychiatry found that young people were diagnosed with ADHD after watching clips on TikTok.
The study’s authors agreed that open conversations helped reduce stigmas about mental health, but the creators of the videos were often not experts in the field.
“But inappropriate treatment can make things worse rather than helping the person feel better and improve their functioning.”
The survey of 1,000 American adults, conducted by Ohio State, found that younger adults are more likely to believe they have the condition than older generations, and are more likely to do something about it.
Professor Barterian said social media had increased awareness of ADHD symptoms.
Dozens of celebrities, from Olympic athlete Simone Biles to Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo and Harry Potter actress Emma Watson, have gone public with their own ADHD diagnoses.
A 2022 study published in the journal European Psychiatry found that young people were diagnosed with ADHD after watching clips on TikTok.
Older patients with ADHD have difficulties with memory and concentration, while younger people are more likely to suffer from hyperactivity
Professor Barterian added: “If you are watching videos on social media and it makes you think you may meet the criteria for the disorder, I recommend that you seek an assessment from a psychologist, psychiatrist or doctor to get you checked.” ‘
The study’s authors agreed that open conversations helped reduce stigmas about mental health, but the creators of the videos were often not experts in the field.
“If you are watching videos on social media and it makes you think you may meet the criteria for this disorder, I would encourage you to seek an assessment from a psychologist, psychiatrist or doctor to get you checked out,” Professor Barterian said. saying.
Symptoms may differ in adults and children, he added.
Older patients with ADHD have difficulties with memory and concentration, while younger people are more likely to suffer from hyperactivity.
Professor Barterian added: “If you are watching videos on social media and it makes you think you may meet the criteria for the disorder, I recommend that you seek an assessment from a psychologist, psychiatrist or doctor to get you checked.” .’
Dr. Robert Dicker, associate director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital, said it was not uncommon for ADHD diagnoses to run in families.
Adults may first think they have undiagnosed ADHD if a child receives a diagnosis and notices that he or she has similar symptoms.
“Adults often tell me that their parents didn’t believe they had ADHD, that it was frowned upon, that the school system didn’t support them, or that they were stigmatized not for having ADHD, but for being bad students and bad children,” she said. Dicker, who was not involved in the new investigation, told the New York Post.
Environmental factors, such as brain injuries, premature birth, and childhood lead exposure, can also increase the chances of a diagnosis.
Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK, told The Telegraph: ‘This research highlights some of the significant differences between the UK and the US with respect to ADHD.
‘In the UK we recognized ADHD decades later than (in the US) and as a result we have significant underdiagnosis.
‘In the UK we also have a very different healthcare system, with much more restricted protocols for who can diagnose ADHD, compared to the US.
“Our situations are not the same, so we have to be very careful when considering the relevance of attitude research like this.”