ADHD, Misinformation, and the Chaos of Online Mental Health

Listen to this episode from How to Be Patient on Spotify. In this episode we are joined by Priyanka Patel, a pharmacist, content creator, and soon-to-be author, to discuss mental health misinformation, ADHD, and the challenges of navigating online discourse about mental health. Priyanka shares her personal journey with ADHD, the barriers she faced in getting a diagnosis, and how social media both helps and harms conversations about neurodivergence.Takeaways:Not All Mental Health Content is Created Equal: Social media is full of both helpful education and misleading oversimplifications, making media literacy crucial when consuming mental health content.ADHD in Women is Still Underdiagnosed: Many women with ADHD don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood, often being dismissed as “lazy” or “disorganized” instead of receiving the support they need.Pharmacogenetics and Gender Differences Matter: Research suggests that women may metabolize ADHD medications differently, yet most treatment guidelines are based on studies conducted on men.ADHD is Not Just a "Quirk": While humor can help destigmatize neurodivergence, romanticizing ADHD as a personality trait can overshadow the serious struggles people with the condition face.Online Conversations Need More Nuance: Creators should balance authenticity with responsibility, ensuring that personal experiences are clearly distinguished from clinical advice to prevent misinformation.—Want more Priyanka Patel:Instagram & Tik Tok: @littlemiss_adhdWatch on YouTube: @itspresroListen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.—Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human ContentGet in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices