Media Representation of Mental Disorders: A Study of ADD and ADHD Coverage in Magazines from 1985 to 2008

This research examines the evolution of media coverage of mental disorders, using magazine articles on ADD/ADHD as a lens through which to examine how media can stigmatize and normalize disorders. The study uses both content analysis and qualitative thematic analysis to probe changes in scientific terminology and tone over a 23-year period. Findings show ADD/ADHD is generally normalized, but stigmas such as medicalization of the disorder and an emphasis on danger persist.