ADHD in an underserved context: how Chinese social media users discuss recognition, care, and difficulty

Introduction

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains under-recognized and underdiagnosed in China, particularly among adolescents and adults. As formal diagnosis and treatment remain difficult to access, ADHD has become increasingly visible on social media platforms such as RedNote, where users share experiences, compare symptoms, and seek information outside clinical settings. Understanding how ADHD is discussed in these spaces is important for mental health literacy, stigma reduction, and pathways to care.