It's Been a Minute
Think you have ADHD? Here's why so many of us are saying yes.
Apr 25, 2025
Manvir Singh, an assistant professor of anthropology at UC Davis, discusses the surge in adult ADHD diagnoses linked to social media trends. He and culture journalist Kelli Maria Korducki explore how platforms like TikTok influence personal identities and perceptions of ADHD. They delve into misdiagnoses exacerbated during the pandemic and critique the limitations of the current diagnostic systems. The conversation also touches on the role of online communities in shaping awareness and navigating the complexities of mental health categorizations.
18:04
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The rise in adult ADHD diagnoses is largely driven by increased awareness and telehealth access during the pandemic, prompting reevaluation across demographics.
- Social media's portrayal of ADHD fosters community but also leads to confusion, often over-pathologizing normal behaviors as symptoms of the disorder.
Deep dives
Growing Awareness and Diagnosis of ADHD
The increase in adult ADHD diagnoses can be attributed to heightened awareness of the condition, particularly during the pandemic when many individuals experienced struggles with focus while working from home. Telehealth services contributed significantly to this surge, facilitating access to prescription medications at a time when people recognized their symptoms. Additionally, there has been a reevaluation of how ADHD is diagnosed across demographics, leading to better identification of individuals previously overlooked, including women and people of color. However, this rise in diagnoses also raises concerns about the potential for misdiagnosis and the pathologization of normal behaviors.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
