January 2024 PMID 38234366

Tattoos, piercings, and symptoms of ADHD in non-clinical adults: a cross-sectional study.

Martin Ragnar Glans, Joel Nilsson, Susanne Bejerot

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Mentions

27
Peak: 19 in Jan 2024
across 3 sources since Jan 2024

Extended reach

106,195
potential audience

Total likes

1,797

Video views

40,409

Mentions per month

Jan 2024 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter24 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions focus on the relationship between body modifications and ADHD symptoms, with some posts expressing skepticism about tattoos but noting the stronger link with multiple piercings, such as mentions of 'associate with impulsive and risk-taking personality traits.' The tone varies from curiosity to caution, reflecting a recognition of the study's relevance to understanding personality and behavior.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the findings regarding piercings and ADHD symptoms, with some referencing past beliefs linking tattoos to ADHD, supporting moderate agreement.

InterestHigh interest

Participants show high interest, especially in the link between body modifications and ADHD, evidenced by questions and curiosity about the implications.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts reference specific studies and include personal reflections, indicating moderate to deep engagement with the research.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions highlight how the study challenges or updates previous stereotypes, suggesting the findings could influence perceptions about body modifications and mental health indicators.

Abstract in brief

  • This study found that adults without an ADHD diagnosis who have tattoos or piercings tend to show more symptoms related to ADHD, especially when they have multiple modifications like both a tattoo and a piercing.
  • The relationship between body modifications and ADHD symptoms was stronger with piercings than tattoos, with two piercings showing a noticeable link to higher ADHD symptoms.
  • The findings suggest that getting body modifications, particularly tattoos, might be an indicator worth considering when screening for subclinical ADHD symptoms in adults.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Chris Aiken, MD
@chrisaikenmd · X

Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream” and that association no longer holds true: https://t.co/M1DkPOo8c2 However, ≥2 piercings was strongly associated with #ADHD symptoms. https://t.co/4glfWCo6vh

Jan 25, 2024 · 67 likes · 17 shares · 8,487 followers View post →
Chris Aiken, MD
@chrisaikenmd · X

Textbooks once listed tattoos as a sign of ADHD. But this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”: https://t.co/M1DkPOo8c2 The ADHD link no longer held for tattoos, but did for multiple piercings https://t.co/29pvG0aPVk

Jan 29, 2025 · 10 likes · 8,487 followers View post →
Glenn Sullivan
@drglennsullivan · X

“Having ≥2 piercings other than ear piercings is associated with clinically relevant differences in ADHD symptoms.” https://t.co/ogEfHraDtC

Jan 28, 2024 · 6 likes · 5,726 followers View post →
Frontiers - Psychiatry
@FrontPsychiatry · X

New Research: Tattoos, piercings, and symptoms of ADHD in non-clinical adults: a cross-sectional study: Introduction Tattoos and piercings are associated with impulsive and risk-taking personality traits, which are also common along the ADHD… https://t.co/a47z6JPHZV #Psychiatry

Jan 3, 2024 · 4 likes · 16,636 followers View post →
Helwise
@helwise1.bsky.social · Bluesky

Just had a quick look. One study from Sweden indicating weak effect for tattoos but more of an association for piercings, particularly2 or more non-ear piercings. Glans, Martin Ragnar; Nilsson, Joel; Bejerot, Susanne (2024) Frontiers in Psychiatry DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1224811

May 11, 2025 · 4 likes · 3 shares View post →
Carlat Psychiatry
@CarlatPsych · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 8,080 followers View post →

All mentions

Twist
@Twist_the_real · X

@shellshockkk Increased chance of BPD, ADHD, selfharm. Who wants that? https://t.co/MqK04x04vL https://t.co/AsL9Q9pnQo https://t.co/VxJxTmU3yy

Dec 7, 2025 · 667 followers View post →
david de grote
@Grote3557De · X

40-jarige vrouw VERNIETIGD – Single, blut en dakloos | The Wall https://t.co/QkRRQWAvmF via @YouTube

Sep 1, 2025 · 476 followers View post →
Nouvel-âge ⚜️✝️
@FreeDam081 · X

Aug 27, 2025 · 1,627 followers View post →
Helwise
@helwise1.bsky.social · Bluesky

Just had a quick look. One study from Sweden indicating weak effect for tattoos but more of an association for piercings, particularly2 or more non-ear piercings. Glans, Martin Ragnar; Nilsson, Joel; Bejerot, Susanne (2024) Frontiers in Psychiatry DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1224811

May 11, 2025 · 4 likes · 3 shares View post →
Chris Aiken, MD
@chrisaikenmd · X

Textbooks once listed tattoos as a sign of ADHD. But this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”: https://t.co/M1DkPOo8c2 The ADHD link no longer held for tattoos, but did for multiple piercings https://t.co/29pvG0aPVk

Jan 29, 2025 · 10 likes · 8,487 followers View post →
MCNP Consorcio Mexicano de Neuropsicofarmacología
@MCNPMexico · X

Feb 16, 2024 · 564 followers View post →
The Soul
@AatmaTheSoul · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 28, 2024 · 17 shares · 5 followers View post →
Glenn Sullivan
@drglennsullivan · X

“Having ≥2 piercings other than ear piercings is associated with clinically relevant differences in ADHD symptoms.” https://t.co/ogEfHraDtC

Jan 28, 2024 · 6 likes · 5,726 followers View post →
Amir Mir Abdolazimi, MD
@A_MirAbdolazimi · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 28, 2024 · 17 shares · 35 followers View post →
Baronian Consulting
@BaronianConsult · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 28, 2024 · 17 shares · 1,081 followers View post →
chronicallyundifferentiated
@AcGaryS · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 55 followers View post →
Lauren C.
@Lau_Cob_ · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 2,544 followers View post →
ThailandNumber1
@ThailandNumber1 · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 249 followers View post →
Carlat Psychiatry
@CarlatPsych · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 8,080 followers View post →
Dan
@Dan60036994 · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 160 followers View post →
Sic Parvis Magna
@tviy_rabbi · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 18 followers View post →
Dr. Jessica Giddens DNP (nurse)
@DrJGiddensRN · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 2,754 followers View post →
Drlyme
@Drlyme1 · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 679 followers View post →
Adult ADHD India
@adultADHDindia · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 540 followers View post →
Mario Perales
@Dr_MarioPerales · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 67 followers View post →
Emilie Dufour, (ælle)
@_emiliedufour · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 1,208 followers View post →
Archbishop of Banterbury
@whyamjlikethis · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream”…

Jan 25, 2024 · 17 shares · 79 followers View post →
Chris Aiken, MD
@chrisaikenmd · X

Tattoos were once listed as a sign of ADHD in textbooks, but this Swedish study shows they have “entered the mainstream” and that association no longer holds true: https://t.co/M1DkPOo8c2 However, ≥2 piercings was strongly associated with #ADHD symptoms. https://t.co/4glfWCo6vh

Jan 25, 2024 · 67 likes · 17 shares · 8,487 followers View post →
Paul Whiteley
@PaulWhiteleyPhD · X

Tattoos, piercings, and symptoms of ADHD in non-clinical adults: a cross-sectional study https://t.co/G13uAB0CcA Interesting. Often wondered about extreme 'body modifications' in this and related contexts.

Jan 19, 2024 · 5,013 followers View post →
Frontiers - Psychiatry
@FrontPsychiatry · X

New Research: Tattoos, piercings, and symptoms of ADHD in non-clinical adults: a cross-sectional study: Introduction Tattoos and piercings are associated with impulsive and risk-taking personality traits, which are also common along the ADHD… https://t.co/a47z6JPHZV #Psychiatry

Jan 3, 2024 · 4 likes · 16,636 followers View post →