Do Earworms Indicate ADHD? Experts Weigh In
We’ve all experienced those annoying moments when a catchy pop song gets stuck on repeat in our minds for hours on end. But can this phenomenon, commonly referred to as an “earworm,” be a symptom of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)?
This question recently sparked a viral discussion on TikTok, where one user claimed that earworms are linked to ADHD. The user, @himroids, recounted a conversation with a friend who mentioned that after taking medication, she no longer had songs stuck in her head. Intrigued, @himroids turned to Google and concluded that earworms are indeed a symptom of ADHD.
While the TikTok video garnered hundreds of comments from individuals who also experience earworms, experts have contradicted @himroids’ claims. According to Dr. Stuart Fischer, a physician from New York City, there is no specific disease that causes individuals to constantly repeat tunes in their heads. He clarified that it is normal to think about and hum catchy songs. Fischer further explained that ADHD symptoms manifest in various areas of life, such as repetitive physical behaviors and vocabulary, extending beyond earworms.
Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School, stated that earworms may be more distressing for individuals with certain disorders, like OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). OCD patients may feel anxious if they can’t remember the song or experience a moral responsibility to figure it out to prevent something bad from happening.
While there is no definitive cure for earworms, some research suggests that listening to a “cure tune,” like “Happy Birthday” or “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club, can help drown out the stuck song. Other techniques include finding distractions or chewing gum.
It’s important to note that self-diagnosing disorders, including ADHD, based on internet research is not recommended by experts. Social media platforms, like TikTok, often contribute to the spread of such self-diagnoses. Medical professionals should be consulted for proper assessment and diagnosis.
