Motherhood or ADHD? Online Diagnostics Confuse the Distinction

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Oct 26, 08:02 am

Photo: (Photo : Alvaro Reyes on Unsplash)

In recent times, a disconcerting trend has emerged that caught the attention of experienced psychotherapist Lynn Lyons: a significant influx of mothers are increasingly resorting to the internet as a quick tool for diagnosing ADHD in themselves.
Using her influential platform, the podcast "Flusterclux," Lyons extensively discusses the potential pitfalls and unreliable nature of these online ADHD tests, which often produce misleading results.

Challenges of Contemporary Life

Drawing from her vast professional experience, Lyons offers an insightful observation. She articulates, "There's a prevalent notion that the societal roles of women have evolved over time. Yet, the ground reality is different. Many women, even today, find themselves grappling with a multitude of responsibilities, from childcare and intricate household duties to demanding professional commitments."

Overburdened by these multiple roles, they naturally exhibit certain symptoms, such as forgetfulness, frequent sleep disturbances, and a prevailing sense of disorganization. It's these very signs that lead many to erroneously conclude that they might be suffering from ADHD.

However, the problem isn't just rooted in personal misinterpretation. There's an external factor at play. Lyons astutely points out the surge in online quizzes, many of which are deliberately designed to be vague or overly general.
These quizzes, often backed by clever marketing strategies, have a clear modus operandi: convince users of a potential ADHD diagnosis and then promote specific products or specialized services as a solution to "help" navigate life with ADHD.

Historically, ADHD detection predominantly occurs during the early developmental stages of life. Interestingly, boys are diagnosed at a significantly higher rate, primarily because their symptoms, such as hyperactivity and lack of focus, are more overt and discernible.

Dr. Ned Hallowell, an esteemed ADHD specialist, provides an illustrative analogy to describe the condition. He states, "Imagine having a brain as powerful as a Ferrari's engine, but the controlling mechanism is as rudimentary as bicycle brakes."

For girls, the situation is more intricate. ADHD in them manifests in a more subdued, almost clandestine manner. Their lack of manifestly disruptive behavior means many girls often slip through the cracks, remaining undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. Lyons cautions against conflating general symptoms of stress or overwork with ADHD, as it can lead to unnecessary anxiety and incorrect self-diagnoses.

Evolution of Online Quiz Culture: A Shift from Leisure to Clinical

Quizzes have always held a certain charm. From lighthearted magazine questionnaires to online platforms, they were largely viewed as a form of entertainment. But there's been a noticeable shift in their nature. Instead of helping individuals identify with their favorite fictional characters, quizzes now claim to diagnose potential psychiatric conditions-a transition Lyons and many professionals find deeply unsettling.

"Today's online quizzes, more often than not, are driven by a clear commercial objective," Lyons remarks.
Dr. Howard Liu, a distinguished psychiatrist, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that a significant portion of online content about ADHD lacks credibility. They either simplify the disorder to an alarming degree or completely misrepresent its multifaceted symptoms.

The redeeming quality of these online quizzes might be their potential to encourage individuals to seek genuine professional assistance.
"Real ADHD diagnosis goes beyond a simplistic checklist approach. It requires a series of comprehensive assessments, ideally conducted by trained mental health professionals," Dr. Liu elaborates.

To ascertain a true diagnosis, individuals need to engage in in-depth conversations that probe the longevity, severity, and nature of their symptoms. What might superficially appear as ADHD could, in fact, be symptomatic of another underlying health issue.

For those earnestly suspecting they might have ADHD, Lyons champions a more encompassing, holistic approach. She recommends keenly observing patterns in daily routines, understanding what might be triggering the symptoms, and then adopting skills and strategies to cope.

In conclusion, while online quizzes might offer a starting point or temporary insights, nothing can replace the comprehensive evaluation and understanding provided by a professional. In today's age of information overload, it's crucial to differentiate between genuine information and cleverly disguised marketing ploys.