Psychology for Everyone

Seventy-Four Per Cent on the Internet

Aiden, twenty, a university student in Melbourne, found a video called 'Signs you have ADHD' and a quiz that gave him a score of seventy-four per cent. He had been distracted, restless and behind with assignments. By eve…

Aiden, twenty, a university student in Melbourne, found a video called 'Signs you have ADHD' and a quiz that gave him a score of seventy-four per cent. He had been distracted, restless and behind with assignments. By evening he was telling friends he had ADHD and anxiety and probably something else.

His roommate, Luca, noticed he was panicking, not relieved. Aiden had also not slept for two nights, partly from exam stress. Luca said, 'Maybe those quizzes are not the answer. Why not ask a doctor?'

Aiden booked a visit with his university health centre. The doctor explained that a screening tool is a short test that flags who may need a full assessment, and that a high score means 'talk to a professional,' not 'you have the condition.' She then did a proper interview, checked his sleep, asked about caffeine and alcohol, and arranged blood tests.

She used a standard questionnaire, which supports judgement and does not replace it. Aiden learned that poor concentration occurs in many conditions: anxiety, sleep loss, depression, thyroid disease and ADHD. The doctor noted that the plan would be reviewed. 'The result of this questionnaire is one piece,' she said, 'and you are a whole person.' Aiden left relieved, with sleep advice and a next appointment.

How to recognise it

  • Using online quizzes or social media videos to give yourself a diagnosis.

  • Sleep loss, stress or caffeine overlapping with symptoms such as poor concentration.

  • Anxiety about a score and a sense of being 'labelled.'

  • Traits described online that are common in everyone.

  • Delay of proper care because of a wrong label.

What this story explains

This story shows the difference between screening and diagnosis, why online quizzes are unreliable, and why symptoms overlap across conditions so a full assessment is needed.

Probable root causes

  • Easy access to social media lists and quizzes.

  • Real stress, poor sleep or study overload.

  • Worry and the wish for a quick explanation.

  • Symptoms that overlap between many conditions.

  • Little understanding of how diagnosis actually works.

What to do

  1. Treat online results as a reason to talk to a professional, not as an answer.

  2. Note symptoms, duration and impact on study, work and relationships.

  3. Book a visit with a family doctor or health centre.

  4. Describe sleep, caffeine, alcohol and medicines honestly.

  5. Accept that physical tests may be part of the assessment.

  6. Ask what the screening score means and what the next step is.

Whom to consult

  • Family doctor or student health service for a first assessment.

  • Clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for a full evaluation.

  • Counsellor for stress and study problems while waiting.

  • Emergency service or hospital if distress becomes unbearable or you have thoughts of self-harm.

Do and don’t

Do Don’t
Do bring any worries to a professional. Don't self-diagnose from videos.
Do keep a sleep diary. Don't label friends.
Do ask about screening versus diagnosis. Don't ignore sleep and stress.
Do be patient with the process. Don't treat a score as proof.
Do keep an open mind. Don't delay help for a long time.

How to behave and communicate

  • Friend: 'Those quizzes are not reliable. Shall we find a proper appointment?'

  • Listen without agreeing or dismissing his fears.

  • Avoid saying 'you are overreacting.'

  • To the doctor: 'My score was high. What does it really mean?'

  • Keep a calm, curious tone.