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The ADHD Evidence Project

Line drawing of a profile view of a human head with a tangled scribble representing thoughts on a yellow background.

Addressing misinformation and promoting evidence-based understanding

If you attended the 2024 ADHD Virtual Summit, you likely watched the ADHD Evidence Project Presentation by Dr. Stephen Faraone. Dr. Faraone is clinical psychologist, professor in the Department of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University, and President of the World Federation of ADHD.

His presentation enabled us to:

  • Identify and dispel common misconceptions about ADHD
  • Understand how social media impacts the spread of misinformation
  • Understand why Dr. Faraone is so passionate about the ADHD Evidence Project
  • Learn techniques that are useful as a clinician, educator, person with ADHD, or a loved one of someone with ADHD

Epistemology and misinformation

Dr. Faraone began his presentation by discussing epistemology, the theory of knowledge that helps us make the distinction between justified belief and opinion This distinction is of great concern today, and one that directly affects those who have, treat, and care for those with ADHD. Misinformation is a problem exacerbated by the media that consistently provides information that conflicts and confuses the two, especially for ADHD, which has been maligned for many decades.

Global misinformation

Misinformation is a global problem. In a World Economic Forum survey of experts, elevated levels of misinformation were found in India, the United States, France, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, but also substantial misinformation in other places around the world. Misinformation about health is so extreme that the Surgeon General convened a panel to conduct a study of this, and they produced a white paper which is now available at the Health and Human Services website. The Surgeon General concluded that health misinformation is a fundamental problem, and that people could only determine trustworthy information half the time.

Social media and misinformation

An analysis of internet data showed that people are sadly more likely to visit misinformation Facebook pages than those with accurate, fact-based information. The reason for this is not known, but it may have something to do with the attractiveness and entertainment value of misinformation sites, clickbait, and entertaining speakers.

Importance of evidence-based communication

We need to have rigorous evidence-based communications to correct misconceptions about ADHD. Because ADHD is stigmatizing, the spread of misinformation can reduce the credibility of caregivers and limit access to and acceptance of treatment. This is a genuine problem, and according to the Surgeon General, a public health concern.

Examples of misinformation

  • “Expert” claims that there is no such thing as ADHD
  • Books and articles that allege ADHD is a fraud
  • Misleading content on social media platforms like TikTok

The impact of misinformation

Misinformation confuses patients and healthcare professionals. It leads to decreased self-esteem, less acceptance by peers, social isolation, and lower perceptions of self-confidence among people with ADHD. It also increases healthcare disparities and reduces access to evidence-based care.

Combatting misinformation through the ADHD Evidence Project

The ADHD Evidence Project (ADHDevidence.org) aims to fight misinformation. The website is based on the concept of evidence as it's used in science. It provides information on various topics related to ADHD, including the International Consensus Statement on ADHD. The International Consensus Statement consists of 208 evidence-based conclusions provided by experts in the field of ADHD. It covers various aspects of ADHD, including diagnosis, treatment, and the association between ADHD and other disorders (comorbidities).

Future directions

Before too long, AI could become an effective way to educate people about ADHD. At this stage, it’s a work in progress, but there are hopes that it could become a useful tool for good in the near future.

For more information, resources, and tools, please visit our ADHD page.