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How ADHD TikTok Has Supported Women’s Mental Health Care

Danielle Howson
Written By
Danielle Howson
Published On
May 17, 2023
Three phones displaying screenshots of ADHD TikTok
This post is sponsored by Frida

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of people worldwide, and while it can be a challenging condition to live with, there are various ways to manage it effectively. 

Social media has proven to be a powerful tool for individuals with ADHD to connect, share their experiences, and support one another. In recent years, TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for people with ADHD. This community has been especially helpful for women with the condition, some of whom have gone their whole lives without a diagnosis, as girls are diagnosed with ADHD at under half the rate at which boys are diagnosed. With #adhdinwomen having over 2.6 billion views, the ADHD TikTok community has created a safe and inclusive space for women to share their stories and learn from one another. 

As an adult virtual ADHD clinic, Frida understands the unique challenges that women face when dealing with ADHD. They have seen firsthand how this growing online community has encouraged many women to seek support for their mental health care and get diagnosed—a very life-changing experience for most. 

In this article, we will explore how ADHD TikTok has helped thousands of women get an ADHD diagnosis, and we will highlight the important work that Frida has done in supporting the ADHD TikTok community to provide valuable resources and support to those who need it most.

@thatlisahicks

#paidpartnership After 8+ months of singing the praises of @Frida, here and the questions I get asked the most often. #adhd #adhdsupport #adhddiagnosis #adhdtiktok #adhdadult

♬ original sound – Lisa | ADHD & Autism Support

Frida On TikTok & ADHD in Adult Women

Why are women historically underserved/mistreated for ADHD?

ADHD has been historically recognized by symptoms such as hyperactivity and the inability to focus. Symptoms that tend to present externally and have a higher prevalence in boys. So much so that the term ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) even reflects this. 

However, as we learn more about ADHD, a second common type of ADHD has become recognized and understood—which is more internally presenting and one that tends to be the type that shows up in many women. As a result, due to the traditional understanding of what ADHD is that has lingered societally and even in the medical community, as well as how this second type of ADHD is harder to identify, adults are not taught to recognize the symptoms, and many girls go undiagnosed. 

While an ADHD diagnosis is more prevalent in males, it is inaccurate to assume that females are less prone to ADHD. Studies indicate that the incidence of ADHD is similar in both genders. Despite this, boys are diagnosed three times more often. This disparity often results in girls experiencing symptoms throughout their lives, negatively affecting their relationships, self-esteem, and ability to achieve adulthood goals.

A significant number of women are not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach their 30s. This discovery often occurs after their child is diagnosed with ADHD, causing them to recognize similar symptoms in themselves. 

There has been limited research on ADHD in women, and the existing research has often been conducted on male populations. This has contributed to a lack of understanding of women’s unique challenges and experiences with ADHD. As a result, women with ADHD may struggle to receive proper diagnosis and treatment, leading to significant difficulties in their personal and professional lives.

How does ADHD differ in women and girls from men and boys?

Women tend to be more likely to experience the inattentive type of ADHD. The disparities in ADHD manifestation between genders seem to stem from factors such as coping strategies, hormones, and socially established gender norms.

  1. Coping strategies: Girls and women with ADHD may use coping mechanisms to conceal their symptoms, known as “masking.” Masking involves adapting behaviours to blend in, such as controlling their speech or arriving early to events to avoid being late. These mechanisms can be mentally exhausting and stressful when practiced consistently. 
  1. Hormones: During puberty, hormones significantly affect the manifestation of ADHD symptoms in girls. The fluctuation of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels each month can substantially impact the severity and expression of symptoms.
  1. Societally established gender norms: Women with ADHD are affected by gender stereotypes and norms in their understanding of their symptoms and how others perceive their coping mechanisms. In an educational setting, symptoms like inattentiveness or impulsivity may result in being labelled as “spacey” or “talkative” by educators. Young girls with ADHD who are recognized as needing assistance may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. It is considered more socially acceptable for men with ADHD to manage chaos and impulsiveness, while many women tend to conceal their symptoms and adopt coping strategies to hide their difficulties. 

Is TikTok’s impact on the ADHD conversation positive or negative? Why?

The impact of TikTok on the conversation about ADHD is difficult to categorize as solely positive or negative as it likely has both positive and negative elements.

On the positive side, TikTok has allowed individuals with ADHD to connect and share their experiences in a way that can be both supportive and educational. The platform has also helped raise awareness of ADHD and has provided a space for people to discuss their experiences and seek advice from others who understand what they’re going through.

On the negative side, TikTok can also spread misinformation about ADHD and its treatment. Some users may promote unproven or harmful treatments and self-diagnosis, which can be concerning for individuals seeking accurate information about ADHD. 

While TikTok has certainly impacted the conversation about ADHD, it is important to exercise caution and critically evaluate the information and advice shared on the platform. In the ideal circumstance, it is best to talk to a health provider if a person has questions about information being shared.

What role do influencers/content creators play in this conversation? Have you ever worked with them?

Influencers and content creators can play a significant role in raising awareness and understanding of ADHD by sharing their personal experiences, perspectives, and knowledge with their followers. They can also provide a platform for people living with ADHD to connect with others who understand and share similar experiences. 

When these individuals are well-informed, responsible, and nuanced in their approach to discussing ADHD, they can help to destigmatize it, promote empathy and support, and provide accurate information to the public.

Working with content creators has been amazing for us. We work with creators who have been Frida patients and can provide their honest opinion on their experience getting a diagnosis through us. It is inspiring to see the positive change our services have brought in their lives and their willingness to share their experiences with others to assist them in obtaining their own diagnosis.

@josiebalka

This is one of MANY odd symptoms that I may have never associated with ADHD before I found out I have it. Your process doesn’t have to be as long as mine if you go through @Frida! The assessment is absolutely free, and the cost of the final diagnosis is $599, but it can be covered with your HSA if you have one. I know it seems like a lot – but as someone on a budget I can say with certainty that putting money into your mental health will always be worth your while. #talkwithfrida #ADHD #adhdawareness #adhdsymptoms #adhdsymptomsinwomen #mentalhealth #vyvanse #adderral #mentalhealth

♬ original sound – Josie Balka

What advice would you give to anyone who thinks they might have ADHD?

If you suspect that you have ADHD, it is recommended that you speak with a healthcare provider or a mental health professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation and provide an accurate diagnosis. 

Remember, seeking help and treatment is the first step towards managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. You can live a successful and fulfilling life with ADHD, and you don’t have to do it alone.

What gap in the market does Frida fill?

Other methods of getting an ADHD diagnosis for adults can mean long wait times, sometimes as long as 12-18 months, or cost up to thousands of dollars with private clinics. 

Frida is trying to change this.

Frida’s services are fairly priced, readily available, and fast yet thorough. An ADHD assessment with Frida costs $599—a big saving compared with the costs of going to a private care clinic, which can reach up to several thousands of dollars. While Frida isn’t free like it would be with provincial health care, you will get your first appointment within three weeks compared to 6+ months, which can be crucial for many. Frida’s care is also inclusive and non-judgemental; your clinician is a mental health expert that will help you determine a custom plan for your treatment. 

In some cases, Frida also offers financial support for those who may need it, subsidizing a portion of the cost of a diagnostic assessment. Those interested in learning more about Frida’s financial support are encouraged to reach out and contact the company directly to find out if they are eligible. Frida also offers the option to spread the cost of their diagnostic assessment over a series of payments over time through Affirm. Their hope is that by providing options, more people who need the support can receive it.

@thatlisahicks

#sponsored Finally getting an ADHD diagnosis quite literally saved my life. While this post is sponsored, I was posting about @talkwithfrida long before we partnered. I truly believe in this service so much. #adhd #adhddiagnosis #adultadhd #adhdtiktok

♬ original sound – Lisa | ADHD & Autism Support

The Power of ADHD TikTok

The emergence of social media platforms like TikTok has revolutionized the way individuals with ADHD connect, share their experiences, and support one another. This is especially true for women with ADHD, who often face unique challenges in managing the condition and go undiagnosed for many years as a result. 

With the help of organizations like Frida, women with ADHD can access valuable resources and support, which can be life-changing for many. It is inspiring to see how social media platforms like TikTok are being used to provide innovative solutions for mental health care, and we hope that this trend continues to grow in the future.

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Danielle Howson

Danielle Howson is the Lead Web Optimization Manager at TIA and a self-proclaimed word nerd. She spends her time writing, thinking about writing, and coming up with creative ideas to write about. When not writing, you can find her cuddling up with her two cats and reading other people's writing.
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