Accuracy, reach, and content quality of information about obsessive-compulsive disorder on TikTok

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most popular health-related topics on TikTok but is often misrepresented. This study analyzed the accuracy (i.e., accurate, overgeneralizing, or inaccurate), reach (i.e., views, likes, comments, and shares), and content quality (i.e., understandability and actionability) of 117 informational TikTok videos about OCD. Content creator type (health care professionals [HCPs], individuals with lived experiences, and others) was determined. Of the 117 analyzed videos, 64 (54.7%) were accurate, 31 (26.5%) overgeneralizing, and 22 (18.8%) inaccurate. HCP-created videos were significantly more accurate (82.1% accurate) than non-HCP-created ones (individuals with lived experiences: 63.6% accurate; others: 35.7%). Reach metrics did not vary significantly across accuracy levels and creator types. Videos analyzed were moderately understandable, and accurate videos were significantly more understandable. However, actionability was low overall. Results suggest that misinformation about OCD on TikTok is common and is being disseminated almost as widely as accurate information. Clinical implications are discussed.