If you’ve spent time on platforms like TikTok or Instagram, you may have found yourself nodding along to videos describing ADHD symptoms, thinking, “That’s me!”
Awareness around ADHD has increased in the media over recent years, leading to a massive flux of referrals and diagnoses. However, is ALL social media information helpful?
What Is ADHD Self-Diagnosis?
ADHD self-diagnosis occurs when an individual identifies strongly with symptoms and descriptions of the condition and concludes they have it, without an official evaluation from a qualified healthcare professional.
It’s vital to recognise that self-awareness is an incredibly powerful first step towards seeking help. However, it is not the same as a formal diagnosis, and cannot replace a medical evaluation, as it requires comprehensive clinical interview and professional assessment.
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Can You Self-Diagnose ADHD?
The answer is complicated.
It’s estimated that around 2 million people in the UK have ADHD but lack a formal diagnosis. For many, the flux of online information has been a lifesaver, helping them put a name to lifelong struggles and ultimately motivating them to seek formal help.
At first glance, it seems like social media plays a positive role in the general acceptance and awareness of ADHD and its challenges, and that “self-diagnosis” can, in fact, successfully lead to a clinical diagnosis.
However, we can’t ignore the dangers of social media misinformation.
Dr. Saadia Arshad, a specialist in neurodevelopmental disorders, advises that social media can be excellent for spreading the word, but it becomes genuinely harmful when someone convinces themselves they have ADHD and stops short of seeking professional support.
Ignoring symptoms or relying on a misdiagnosis means missing out on the appropriate help you truly need.
If you suspect you may have ADHD, complete our FREE ADHD Screening Questionnaire & contact us to book your video consultation.
The Dangers Of Self-Diagnosis
While the intent behind self-diagnosis is valid – to find answers – the risks of relying on it are significant.
1. Social Media Misinformation
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry claims that over half (52%) of the 100 most popular ADHD-related TikTok videos contained content classified as misleading. This can come in the form of misrepresenting core symptoms as everyday experiences, overemphasising certain traits while downplaying others, and presenting unproven treatments as fact.
To protect yourself and avoid spreading inaccuracies, stick to credible and trusted experts like The British Psychological Society, The ADHD Foundation, and ADDISS. Seeking independent opinions from qualified healthcare professionals can also be useful, particularly if you or your child is showing clear signs and symptoms of ADHD.
2. Self-Diagnosis Is The Start, Not The End Result
Self-dagnosis can often be a great starting point, but should not replace pursuing a clinical diagnosis.
Dasha Sandra from the University of Toronto agrees, stating that young people shouldn’t be discouraged from seeking help, but mental health education needs to provide much more context around symptoms. Particularly for young adults, believing you have a disorder can make confusing, yet completely normal, life experiences “make sense”, or can prevent you from getting an accurate diagnosis or addressing the real challenges underlying your difficulties.
3. Diagnosis In Adults Is A Complex Process
Diagnosis in adults is particularly complex, and self-diagnosis often lacks accuracy. The symptoms are often subtler than in children, masked by coping mechanisms developed over years. Adult ADHD presents differently and requires an in-depth evaluation to distinguish it from other mental health conditions.
4. Self-Diagnosis Doesn’t Account For Severity
A key diagnostic consideration is the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life. A psychiatrist evaluates the degree of impairment to inform a treatment plan, which is something an online self-assessment simply cannot do.
5. Self-Diagnosis Doesn’t Account For Alternatives
Symptoms discussed online can overlap with numerous other issues. For example, difficulty focusing is a classic ADHD symptom, but it’s also seen in conditions like depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, or even thyroid dysfunction. ADHD also frequently coexists with other conditions (comorbidities), which further complicates the picture.
With 20+ years of experience, our professional psychiatrists are equipped to explore and rule out underlying medical or psychological issues and differentiate them from ADHD.
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6. Diagnosis Requires Qualified Professional Help
The internet can be a valuable resource when you’re exploring the possibility of an assessment. However, a formal ADHD diagnosis is more than just ticking boxes off a symptom checklist. During the assessment process, your healthcare professional will help create a detailed developmental history, considering other possible explanations for the symptoms to guide patients towards the best solutions.
7. Self-Diagnosis Doesn’t Provide The Necessary Treatment
Beyond a diagnosis, a psychiatrist is equipped to help you get the treatment plan you need. For example, a medical professional can make decisions regarding the choice of medication, dosages, and monitoring.
Your psychiatrist may also be able to help you gain access to educational accommodations and support services, or even legal accommodations in the workplace.
This personalised plan considers your unique needs, and cannot be substituted with a simple self-diagnosis.
Get an Accurate, Reliable ADHD Diagnosis With Private ADHD
So, can you self-diagnose ADHD?
While self-awareness and online self-screening tools are a useful start, they are simply not a substitute for a formal diagnosis by a trained psychiatrist. The complexity of ADHD, the high potential for comorbidities, and the need for personalised care necessitate the expertise of a medical professional.
Private ADHD is here to provide a clinically-supported route to diagnosis. As an NHS-recognised/NICE-compliant organisation, we guarantee cost-effective pricing and a quick process, as well as necessary support to help you get the right treatment post-diagnosis.
