Graduation Year

2027

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)

Abstract

In recent years, Americans are utilizing social media, and particularly video-based social media like TikTok. At the same time, and potentially in response to the ease of access to mental health information online, Americans are increasingly seeking diagnoses. This can be seen not only for mood disorders, but of neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Clinicians are no longer the gatekeepers to information on mental health diagnosis, and some communities question the relevance and validity of a professional diagnosis at all. As digital natives become adult therapy consumers, it is important that clinicians understand the role of social media in client’s perception of mental health concepts, their identity, and the services they receive. This review examines theoretical hypotheses of how social media can lead to self-diagnosis, the roles a diagnosis can play on- and offline, and recommendations on working with online “expert patients” or individuals who hope to explore a neurodiverse identity following online exposure.

Faculty Mentor

Joshua Turner, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Maggie Freeman, PsyD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Michael McClellan, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

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