Does TikTok have you convinced that you have ADHD? That you've probably had it since childhood, and only recently stumbled upon the root of your inattention or forgetfulness? Talking so openly about ADHD on social media has encourage many who have been quietly suffering to seek out treatment. On the other hand, it has also misled numerous viewers to believe that some of their general behavior traits is undiagnosed ADHD.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, but some people who have symptoms don’t get diagnosed until later in life for a plethora of reasons–they were misdiagnosed, their symptoms became more obvious as they got older, or they were finally able to get access to healthcare. Dr. Jaqueline Ravok, a forensic psychologist, states that “it is becoming oversubscribed with many people presenting ‘seeking a diagnosis’ of ADHD – especially because they saw a influencer on TikTok list a few vague symptoms.”
In response to the growing demand for assessments, online ADHD diagnosis and treatments services have exploded all over the internet, promising a quick consultation and prescription, allowing them to skip the lengthy, professional, and traditional process. The feasibility of online consultations for ADHD has led to Adderall being oversubscribed and a recent national shortage of Adderall, affecting those of us who frankly need it. Nevertheless, this is largely preventable.
New research analysis from PBS item reports has shown that the prescription of Adderall medications has exploded, coinciding with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic introduced the world to a new era of remote life i.e. school, work, and even telehealth, which can be extremely useful in underrepresented communities or countries. Society had no choice but to move on with life and going about it remotely was the most practical option. Naturally, services that once required in person interaction and assessments, such as ADHD evaluations, had to shift over to a remote platform. The lack of physical interaction made it too easy to get prescribed Adderall, some diagnosis services not even requiring a video consultation with a provider, but rather a simple self-assessment that is later reviewed by a doctoral-level psychologist.
In a clinical diagnosis, providers will meet with the patients to scrutinize their family history, observed their nonverbal cues, and observe their behavior as they perform assigned assessments over the course of numerous weeks. In 2020, the US government loosened rules so that people could obtain Schedule II drug prescriptions via telehealth appoints rather than in person visits. Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist in New York City, states that the lack of physical interaction with online evaluations makes her “skeptical of the accuracy of diagnosing someone”. Some online companies have even been criticized for prescribing drugs like Adderall that have high rates of abuse too frequently. Cerebral Inc, an online evaluation company, faced a termination suit by its former vice president, who claimed the company aimed to prescribe the powerful stimulant to 100% of its patients, something that he did not consider “safe or legal,” The New York Times reported.
It’s become no secret that getting “diagnosed” with ADHD and prescribed to Adderall has become easier than ever. Action needs to be driven to further regulate online services that are leading the oversubscription outbreak in the United States. Although online services could have been helpful during the peak of the pandemic, society has already begun to approach normality again and the number of sketchy online services that still exist is too grand. These companies should have a regulated and legitimate process through the US Drug Enforcement Administration when it comes to online diagnosing. A process more complex than bluffing a take home self-assessment needs to be implemented.
There should be a set number of consultations with the same patient over the duration of a few weeks before handing out any diagnosis, regardless of being remote. This process would allow the psychiatrist to better understand the patient and their needs, instead of making assumptions on the first visit. Furthermore, if possible, there should be an effort made to schedule an in person visit so that the nonverbal cues of the patient can be observed. Patients should also be subjected to cognitive and intelligence testing such as puzzles and riddles, frequently assigned in clinical assessments, which have been proven to show how well someone can concentrate. Overall, the traditional methods used in clinical assessments are not being used in online assessments, and it needs to be implemented and enforced.
The rising popularity of online ADHD diagnosis websites has more people than ever filling prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants. When I had my clinical evaluation performed at a young age, I went through a variety of in person exams and questionnaires over the course of three months. It triggers me to know that online services rarely undergo any of these professional and traditional processes and anyone can set up an appointment and have a prescription that same day. It’s unfair that I now must wait weeks past my prescription refill date because the demand has skyrocketed, and the supply chain can’t keep up. A greater effort needs to be made to hold online evaluation websites accountable to reduce the oversubscription crisis in the United States and all its rippling affects.
Works Cited
Malhotra, Raghu. “Why the US Is Facing a Shortage of Adderall, Used to Treat ADHD.” The Indian Express, News Guard, 15 Oct. 2022, https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/why-the-us-is-facing-a-shortage-of-adderall-used-to-treat-adhd-8210883/.
Rendall, Jessica, and Vivian Sun. “What We Know about the Adderall Shortage.” CNET, CNET, 15 Nov. 2022, https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/what-we-know-about-the-adderall-shortage/.
Rendall, Jessica. “What We Know about Online ADHD Tests.” CNET, CNET, 7 Oct. 2022, https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/what-we-know-about-online-adhd-tests/.
Vukasin, Filip. “Is the Soaring Use of ADHD Stimulants a Cause for Concern?” NewsGP, RACGP, 10 Nov. 2022, https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/is-the-soaring-use-of-adhd-stimulants-a-cause-for.
Interesting read! I personally feel like the amount of people on some type of prescribed drug is insane. It is kind of upsetting that the reason for all of these diagnoses is circulated around money. A real diagnosis should not come from a computer. ADHD is something that affects many people and medicine should not be thrown out to people without ADHD. I'm sure that most people use this medication for the wrong reasons as well which can eventually lead to bigger problems. The standards of mental health care need to be reconsidered.