Scrolling for support: informational, emotional, and social support in adult ADHD Facebook groups

This study examines Facebook-based ADHD support groups for adults, addressing a gap in the understanding of how participation in ADHD-specific online communities contributes to informational, emotional, and social support, and how these processes relate to mental well-being.

An inductive qualitative design was employed, based on semi-structured interviews with twenty adults (nine men and eleven women) diagnosed with ADHD who actively participate in large Facebook support groups comprising tens of thousands of members. The interviews were analyzed inductively to identify recurring themes related to engagement and support within these online communities.

The analysis revealed that Facebook-based ADHD groups function as supportive networks that provide informational, emotional, and social support. Participants described these groups as safe spaces for sharing experiences and advice, fostering a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation, and enhancing engagement within the community.

The findings underscore the potential of online peer support as a complementary resource for improving coping, adjustment, and mental well-being among adults with ADHD. These results suggest practical implications for psychoeducation and clinical interventions that incorporate digital social support environments.