Latest news with #ADHD-related
Time Business News
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time Business News
ADHD Medication That Won't Worsen Anxiety in Adults
Finding the right ADHD medication can be a challenge—especially for adults who also struggle with anxiety. Many traditional stimulant medications for ADHD are known to potentially increase anxiety symptoms. This dual diagnosis requires a more careful approach to treatment. The good news is that there are ADHD medications and strategies that help improve focus without making anxiety worse. In fact, some can help manage both conditions simultaneously. In this blog, we explore options that can treat best adhd medication for adults with anxiety while minimizing or avoiding anxiety-related side effects. When it comes to managing anxiety or depression, selecting the right medication can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Both medications work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, but they can affect individuals differently. The decision between Zoloft vs Lexapro often depends on personal response, side effect profiles, and specific symptoms. While one may cause more sleep-related side effects, the other might impact sexual function or appetite more noticeably. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to evaluate which option aligns best with your mental health needs and overall lifestyle for long-term wellness. ADHD and anxiety disorders frequently occur together in adults. In fact, studies suggest that up to 50% of adults with ADHD may also experience an anxiety disorder. While ADHD affects attention, impulsivity, and executive functioning, anxiety involves excessive worry, restlessness, and tension. The two conditions can worsen each other. For example, ADHD-related forgetfulness or disorganization can lead to stressful situations, which may then trigger anxiety. Conversely, anxiety can make it harder to focus, which mimics or exacerbates ADHD symptoms. Because of this overlap, choosing the right medication requires a treatment plan that targets ADHD symptoms without aggravating anxiety. It's important to remember that everyone responds differently to medications, so what works for one person may not work for another. Stimulants like Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are among the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. While effective for increasing focus and reducing impulsivity, they can cause side effects such as increased heart rate, jitteriness, and insomnia—all of which can worsen anxiety. Adults with co-occurring anxiety disorders often find stimulants make them feel on edge, restless, or overly alert. This does not mean stimulants are never an option, but it does mean that people with anxiety need to be especially cautious. Low-dose strategies, extended-release formulations, or non-stimulant alternatives may be more appropriate in these cases. For adults concerned about anxiety, non-stimulant medications can be a better fit. These options tend to have a more calming effect and are less likely to cause symptoms of anxiousness. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that works by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. It's FDA-approved for ADHD in both children and adults. One of the key benefits of Atomoxetine is that it does not typically increase anxiety—in some cases, it may even help reduce it. Because it is not a stimulant, it doesn't cause the same spikes in energy or restlessness that can trigger anxiety. It also has a lower risk of abuse or dependence, making it a safer long-term option for many adults. Guanfacine is another non-stimulant often used off-label for adult ADHD. Originally developed to treat high blood pressure, Guanfacine works on receptors in the brain to help regulate attention, behavior, and emotional responses. It is known for its calming effect and is often helpful for individuals with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and anxiety. The extended-release version, Intuniv, is designed to provide steady symptom control without significant mood disturbance. Like Guanfacine, Clonidine is a medication that can calm hyperactive behavior while also helping with sleep and anxiety. Although more often used in children, some adults benefit from Clonidine as part of their ADHD treatment plan. It can be especially useful at night for those who struggle with insomnia due to either ADHD or anxiety. Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that is sometimes prescribed off-label for ADHD. It works by influencing dopamine and norepinephrine—two neurotransmitters linked to focus and attention. Bupropion can improve ADHD symptoms and also help with depression. However, its impact on anxiety varies by individual. While some people feel more calm and focused, others may experience a mild increase in anxiety, especially at higher doses. It is best used cautiously in people with high anxiety levels. Treating ADHD in adults with anxiety is not a one-size-fits-all process. The key is to personalize the approach based on symptom patterns, tolerance for side effects, and overall mental health history. For some, a low-dose stimulant may be effective when combined with therapy or anti-anxiety techniques. For others, non-stimulants may provide more stable results with fewer mental side effects. Collaboration with a knowledgeable psychiatrist or primary care doctor is crucial. They can help assess the best starting point, monitor reactions to medication, and make adjustments as needed. Keeping track of how you feel—both mentally and physically—can also help guide these decisions. Medication alone is rarely the full solution. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective for adults dealing with both ADHD and anxiety. CBT helps individuals develop coping strategies for managing distractions, negative thinking, and stress. Mindfulness practices, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and structured routines also help regulate both attention and anxiety. Lifestyle changes often complement medication by reducing the intensity of symptoms and improving overall functioning. For example, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can make a significant difference in anxiety levels. Setting up reminders, calendars, and visual cues can support ADHD management without increasing pressure or stress. Adults with both ADHD and anxiety face a unique challenge when it comes to medication. While stimulants are effective for many, they can worsen anxiety in sensitive individuals. Fortunately, several non-stimulant options—like Atomoxetine, Guanfacine, Clonidine, and Bupropion—offer alternatives that may better balance focus and emotional calm. The key is working closely with a healthcare provider, staying informed, and being open to gradual adjustments. With the right approach, it's entirely possible to manage ADHD effectively without sacrificing peace of mind. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Independent
23-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Young people are now learning about ADHD on TikTok. Here's the downside
Less than half of the claims made about symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the most popular videos on TikTok do not align with clinical guidelines, a new study has found. Two clinical psychologists with expertise in ADHD also found that the more ADHD-related TikTok content a young adult consumes, the more likely they are to overestimate both the prevalence and severity of symptoms in the general population. People with ADHD are known to suffer inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity – and may struggle to concentrate on a given task, or suffer extreme fidgeting. Prescriptions for drugs for ADHD have jumped 18 per cent year-on-year in England since the pandemic, which underscores the need for accurate and reliable information, particularly on platforms popular with young people. In this latest study, published in the journal Plos One, the two psychologists evaluated the accuracy, nuance, and overall quality in the top 100 #ADHD videos on TikTok. They found the videos have immense popularity (collectively amassing nearly half a billion views), but fewer than 50 per cent of the claims made were robust. Furthermore, many TikTok creators shared personal experiences without indicating that they do not necessarily apply to everyone with ADHD, and might even occur for people who do not have the disorder, the study suggested. This lack of nuance may lead viewers to misinterpret symptoms or incorrectly diagnose themselves, it argued. As part of the work, researchers carried out a study with 2,843 undergraduate psychology students, including 421 self-diagnosed with ADHD and 198 with a formal diagnosis, on their beliefs and how they perceived the videos. The results showed that those young people who watched more of the ADHD content were more likely to recommend the videos, despite the unreliability of the information. The researchers, from the University of British Columbia at Vancouver, said that, at its best, mental health content on social media from peers with lived experience may help support people who otherwise feel alone and afraid. However, they said 'easily digestible, short, and snappy videos created to grab users' attention quickly may make it challenging to prioritise nuance'. They added: 'Crucially, the TikTok algorithm, ultimately, aims to extend the time users spend on the platform. 'To do so, TikTok leverages engagement cues such as viewing time, likes, comments, saves, and shares from previous visits to the platform to ensure the videos served to the user cater to their taste, in a process that can go largely unnoticed by users. 'The human tendency for confirmation bias, by which users preferentially read information that supports their pre-existing beliefs about health issues, while ignoring or harshly evaluating information that contradicts them, may compound this process. 'Repeated exposure to content that aligns with one's pre-existing beliefs increases the content's perceived credibility and the probability of sharing it, a phenomenon referred to as the echo-chamber effect.' The work also noted that TikTok content creators receive payments if they get lots of views, as well as selling products and attracting sponsorship. Lead author Vasileia Karasavva said: 'TikTok can be an incredible tool for raising awareness and reducing stigma, but it also has a downside. 'Anecdotes and personal experiences are powerful, but when they lack context, they can lead to misunderstandings about ADHD and mental health in general.' In the study, both clinical psychologists and the students were asked to rate the videos. Psychologists gave the more accurate ADHD videos an average rating of 3.6 out of five, while young adults gave them 2.8. The psychologists rated the least reliable videos at 1.1 out of five. Young adults rated them significantly higher at 2.3. This suggests that misinformation may be slipping through unnoticed by most young people, the study suggested. The team advised young adults to take action to verify social media information, such as cross-checking it with reputable sources such as medical websites, books and healthcare professionals. They should also see medical staff for guidance on ADHD and other concerns, as well as considering whether stress, anxiety or cognitive overload could be contributing to difficulties before assuming they have ADHD. Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teenagers NHS Dr Blandine French, from the University of Nottingham, welcomed the study, adding: 'Social media can be a great source of support but shouldn't be a place for diagnosis as it is not made for this. 'It should be used alongside other more reliable methods, sources and information.' Professor Philip Asherson, from King's College London, suggested the study may not capture all the traits of ADHD that many people experience. He said: 'It is of interest that those with a formal diagnosis access TikTok most, followed by those with self-diagnosis. 'This suggests that the main driver of looking at TikTok videos of ADHD is to learn more about ADHD, rather than the videos leading to excess self-diagnosis. 'A more subtle but essential point is that many ADHD symptoms are a continuous trait/dimension in the general population. 'So there is no clear boundary between those with clinically significant levels of ADHD symptoms and impairments, and those with higher than average levels of ADHD symptoms. 'Many people who do not meet full ADHD criteria may nevertheless struggle with some ADHD symptoms at times and seek information on better to manage this aspect of their lives. 'The videos are therefore of more general relevance than only adults meeting full ADHD criteria. Many self-diagnosed people may fall in this category.'
CBC
20-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
Much of the popular ADHD content on TikTok contains misinformation, UBC study finds
Social Sharing Much ADHD content on TikTok is inaccurate, and this has potentially influenced how young adults perceive the disorder, according to a recent UBC study. The study analyzed the 100 most viewed TikToks related to ADHD and found less than half the claims about symptoms actually align with clinical guidelines for diagnosing the disorder. And it found those who consumed more ADHD-related content were more likely to recommend the videos to others — and to overestimate the prevalence and severity of ADHD in the general population. "Most of them come from a really good place," said Vasilea Karasavva, a PhD student at UBC who led the study. "But words have power. When you have a platform, you yield a certain amount of power, and you have to be a little careful about that." ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that can make people hyperactive, inattentive or a combination of the two, and it affects approximately four to six per cent of adults, according to the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada. Karasavva said many people turn to TikTok for information because receiving a diagnosis in the health-care system can be challenging. And she said TikTok can be a useful tool to provide this information — if it is accurate. "In many ways, social media has democratized access to information about mental health," said Karasavva. Karasavva said she and the other researchers were surprised to find certain behaviours being attributed as signs of ADHD on TikTok, such as having a sweet tooth, liking certain TV shows or bumping into objects. They were also surprised to find about half of the commenters they looked at stood to make financial gains from posting about ADHD — often engaging in brand deals to sell items such as fidget spinners, work books, or supplements. "The goal of a lot of those creators might not be 100 per cent to educate them. . . But more so to describe their own personal experience and be funny and quirky and entertaining." WATCH | Tatoo artist with ADHD describes how her art help her focus: 'For Our Attention' is a CBC Creator Network series about adult ADHD. In this episode, hosts Mackenzie Stannard and Sophia Biedka visit Noelle Jones, a tattoo artist at Grateful Tattoo in Squamish, B.C. Diagnosed with ADHD at 24, Noelle shares how understanding her brain's unique wiring brought validation and clarity after years of struggle with executive dysfunction and feelings of inadequacy. Karasavva says her key takeaway of the study is not for people to stop using social media to talk about mental health, but rather to caution users to fact-check information they find online. Karasavva also recommends creators indicate that their personal experiences may not apply to everyone with ADHD and be wary of brand deals offered to them. "There's nothing more human than people wanting to understand their own experience more and try to find community," said Karasavva. Useful information Kiri Vanderwel's life changed for the better when she received an ADHD diagnosis a few years ago. And for that, she says she has social media to thank. It was through social media — both Instagram and TikTok — that she learned many of her characteristics might be indicative of ADHD. "It has changed my life fundamentally, being able to have access to that information," she said. Vanderwel says she has seen misinformation on social media, noticing some videos appear to be more for views than actual education. "It is just video upon video upon video. . . we run the risk of taking in a piece of content without ever investigating further." But she says she also follows several social media creators who are medical professionals who provide valuable information. She recommends people who are in her position who may have seen something on social media that indicates they might have ADHD to pursue further information and seek out a diagnosis.
The Independent
20-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The downside of young people learning about ADHD on TikTok
Less than half of the claims made about symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the most popular videos on TikTok do not align with clinical guidelines, a new study has found. Two clinical psychologists with expertise in ADHD also found that the more ADHD-related TikTok content a young adult consumes, the more likely they are to overestimate both the prevalence and severity of symptoms in the general population. People with ADHD are known to suffer inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity – and may struggle to concentrate on a given task, or suffer extreme fidgeting. Prescriptions for drugs for ADHD have jumped 18 per cent year-on-year in England since the pandemic, which underscores the need for accurate and reliable information, particularly on platforms popular with young people. In this latest study, published in the journal Plos One, the two psychologists evaluated the accuracy, nuance, and overall quality in the top 100 #ADHD videos on TikTok. They found the videos have immense popularity (collectively amassing nearly half a billion views), but fewer than 50 per cent of the claims made were robust. Furthermore, many TikTok creators shared personal experiences without indicating that they do not necessarily apply to everyone with ADHD, and might even occur for people who do not have the disorder, the study suggested. This lack of nuance may lead viewers to misinterpret symptoms or incorrectly diagnose themselves, it argued. As part of the work, researchers carried out a study with 2,843 undergraduate psychology students, including 421 self-diagnosed with ADHD and 198 with a formal diagnosis, on their beliefs and how they perceived the videos. The results showed that those young people who watched more of the ADHD content were more likely to recommend the videos, despite the unreliability of the information. The researchers, from the University of British Columbia at Vancouver, said that, at its best, mental health content on social media from peers with lived experience may help support people who otherwise feel alone and afraid. However, they said 'easily digestible, short, and snappy videos created to grab users' attention quickly may make it challenging to prioritise nuance'. They added: 'Crucially, the TikTok algorithm, ultimately, aims to extend the time users spend on the platform. 'To do so, TikTok leverages engagement cues such as viewing time, likes, comments, saves, and shares from previous visits to the platform to ensure the videos served to the user cater to their taste, in a process that can go largely unnoticed by users. 'The human tendency for confirmation bias, by which users preferentially read information that supports their pre-existing beliefs about health issues, while ignoring or harshly evaluating information that contradicts them, may compound this process. 'Repeated exposure to content that aligns with one's pre-existing beliefs increases the content's perceived credibility and the probability of sharing it, a phenomenon referred to as the echo-chamber effect.' The work also noted that TikTok content creators receive payments if they get lots of views, as well as selling products and attracting sponsorship. Lead author Vasileia Karasavva said: 'TikTok can be an incredible tool for raising awareness and reducing stigma, but it also has a downside. 'Anecdotes and personal experiences are powerful, but when they lack context, they can lead to misunderstandings about ADHD and mental health in general.' In the study, both clinical psychologists and the students were asked to rate the videos. Psychologists gave the more accurate ADHD videos an average rating of 3.6 out of five, while young adults gave them 2.8. The psychologists rated the least reliable videos at 1.1 out of five. Young adults rated them significantly higher at 2.3. This suggests that misinformation may be slipping through unnoticed by most young people, the study suggested. The team advised young adults to take action to verify social media information, such as cross-checking it with reputable sources such as medical websites, books and healthcare professionals. They should also see medical staff for guidance on ADHD and other concerns, as well as considering whether stress, anxiety or cognitive overload could be contributing to difficulties before assuming they have ADHD. Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teenagers NHS Dr Blandine French, from the University of Nottingham, welcomed the study, adding: 'Social media can be a great source of support but shouldn't be a place for diagnosis as it is not made for this. 'It should be used alongside other more reliable methods, sources and information.' Professor Philip Asherson, from King's College London, suggested the study may not capture all the traits of ADHD that many people experience. He said: 'It is of interest that those with a formal diagnosis access TikTok most, followed by those with self-diagnosis. 'This suggests that the main driver of looking at TikTok videos of ADHD is to learn more about ADHD, rather than the videos leading to excess self-diagnosis. 'A more subtle but essential point is that many ADHD symptoms are a continuous trait/dimension in the general population. 'So there is no clear boundary between those with clinically significant levels of ADHD symptoms and impairments, and those with higher than average levels of ADHD symptoms. 'Many people who do not meet full ADHD criteria may nevertheless struggle with some ADHD symptoms at times and seek information on better to manage this aspect of their lives. 'The videos are therefore of more general relevance than only adults meeting full ADHD criteria. Many self-diagnosed people may fall in this category.'
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
TikTok is full of ADHD advice, but nearly half of it is misleading, study finds
A new study finds that nearly half of the most popular ADHD videos on TikTok share misleading claims that don't match official diagnoses. The study, published Wednesday in PLOS One, explored TikTok's role as an educational tool for ADHD. ADHD – short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder – is a condition that affects focus, self-control and impulse regulation, making it harder to stay organized and pay attention, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. To assess the reliability of TikTok content that provides information and advice about ADHD, two licensed psychologists watched the top 100 most-viewed TikTok videos that were shared with the #ADHD hashtag and judged their accuracy based on the criteria mental health professionals use to make a diagnosis. The videos were immensely popular, gathering nearly half a billion views combined, but only about 49% of their claims were accurate according to the psychologists, who noted that symptoms were often oversimplified or failed to explain how ADHD can vary from person to person. There were different categories of misinformation, Vasileia Karasavva, the study's lead author and PhD student at the University of British Columbia, told ABC News. "Some behaviors were better described by different mental illnesses, some could be related to ADHD but were not diagnostic criteria, and some were not related to ADHD or other mental illnesses at all," she explained. Adding to the concern, the study found that only about 20% of the video creators shared their credentials, and none were licensed psychologists, psychiatrists or medical doctors. Additionally, more than 50% of the creators appeared to have financial incentives for sharing a video, such as selling ADHD-related products or soliciting donations. "Be cautious of people who appear very confident and are selling you something," Karasavva cautioned. "Try and see if they cite any credible sources like the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] or the American Psychiatric Association." Prescriptions for ADHD drugs jumped for young adults, women during pandemic The study also surveyed 843 undergraduate students, ages 18-25, dividing them into three groups: those without an ADHD diagnosis, those who self-diagnosed, and those who received a formal diagnosis from a mental health professional. The participants in the self-diagnosed group watched the most TikTok videos and were more likely to trust their accuracy. They also overestimated how common ADHD is compared to the other two groups. Dramatic rise in ADHD medication mishaps among kids, report finds People who watched a lot of ADHD-related TikToks were just as likely to recommend both the most and least accurate content, suggesting that they couldn't tell reliable information from misinformation. Among self-diagnosed individuals, watching the videos also reinforced their belief that they had ADHD, while making those without the condition question whether they might. "Mental health exists on a spectrum, and social media is democratizing access to this information," said Karasavva. "To get a diagnosis of ADHD, it's a very expensive, long and involved process. People are frustrated by this and in a way, we have gatekept support on mental health." These findings highlight a clear disconnect between mental health professionals and TikTokers in how they perceive ADHD content on TikTok, Karasavva pointed out. "Even if mental health professionals don't think the symptoms follow what they learn on social media, it doesn't mean that the person wouldn't benefit from help," she said. According to the National Institutes of Health, ADHD affects about 5% of children and 3% of adults. It is often diagnosed with other conditions such as learning disabilities, anxiety and depression. Anyone who suspects they may have ADHD should talk to a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis, Karasavva advised. ABC News reached out to TikTok for comment on the study but did not immediately hear back. Heya Batah, M.D., is an internal medicine resident at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. TikTok is full of ADHD advice, but nearly half of it is misleading, study finds originally appeared on
