"Concerns Rise as Teens Self-Diagnose ADHD, Autism, and More via Social Media"

Teens are increasingly using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to self-diagnose mental health conditions, causing alarm among parents, therapists, and school counselors. Some teens follow creators who discuss their own mental health conditions, while others come across posts with symptoms checklists to determine if they meet the criteria for a diagnosis. While social media can provide information and support, concerns arise over mislabeling, exacerbating behaviors, and potentially leading to unnecessary medication. Experts urge social media companies to implement safeguards and algorithms to detect excessive consumption of mental health content. The trend of self-diagnosing comes at a time when American teens are already facing a mental health crisis, with limited access to professional help.