Problematic video game play and ADHD traits in an adult population

This study examined the relationship between problematic video game play (PVGP), video game usage, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits in an adult population. A sample of 205 healthy adult volunteers completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), a video game usage questionnaire, and the Problem Video Game Playing Test (PVGT). A significant positive correlation was found between the ASRS and the PVGT. More specifically, inattention symptoms and time spent playing video games were the best predictors of PVGP. No relationship was found between frequency and duration of play and ADHD traits. Hyperactivity symptoms were not associated with PVGP. Our results suggest that there is a positive relationship between ADHD traits and problematic video game play. In particular, adults with higher level of self-reported inattention symptoms could be at higher risk of PVGP

Attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms predict problematic mobile phone use

Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or both. Some of the key traits of ADHD have previously been linked to addictive and problematic behaviours. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between problematic mobile phone use, smartphone addiction risk and ADHD symptoms in an adult population. A sample of 273 healthy adult volunteers completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the Mobile Phone Problem Usage Scale (MPPUS), and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS). A significant positive correlation was found between the ASRS and both scales. More specifically, inattention symptoms and age predicted smartphone addiction risk and problematic mobile phone use. Our results suggest that there is a positive relationship between ADHD traits and problematic mobile phone use. In particular, younger adults with higher level of inattention symptoms could be at higher risk of developing smartphone addiction. The implication of our findings for theoretical frameworks of problematic mobile phone use and clinical practice are discussed

The relationship between internet addiction, attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms and online activities in adults

Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between Internet Addiction (IA), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and online activities in an adult population. Methods: A sample of 400 individuals aged 18 to 70 completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Young's Internet Addiction Test, and their preferred online activities. Results: A moderate association was found between higher levels of ADHD symptoms and IA. The best predictors of IA scores were ADHD symptoms, age, playing online games and spending more time online. Conclusion: Our findings further support a positive relationship between ADHD symptoms and excessive internet use

The relationship between addictive use of social media and video games and symptoms of psychiatric disorders: a large-scale cross-sectional study

Over the last decade, research into ‘addictive technological behaviors’ has substantially increased. Research has also demonstrated strong associations between addictive use of technology and comorbid psychiatric disorders. In the present study, 23,533 adults (mean age 35.8 years, ranging from 16 to 88 years) participated in an online cross-sectional survey examining whether demographic variables, symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression could explain variance in addictive use (i.e., compulsive and excessive use associated with negative outcomes) of two types of modern online technologies: social media and video games. Psychometrically robust instruments were utilized. Correlations between symptoms of addictive technology use and mental disorder symptoms were all positive and significant, including the interrelationship between the two addictive technological behaviors. Age appeared to be inversely related to the addictive use of these technologies. Being male was significantly associated with addictive use of video games, whereas being female was significantly associated with addictive use of social media. Being single was positively related to both addictive social networking and video gaming. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that demographic factors explained between 11% and 12% of the variance in addictive technology use. The mental health variables explained between 7% and 15% of the variance. The study significantly adds to our understanding of mental health symptoms and their role in addictive use of modern technology. Clinical implications, strengths, and limitations are discussed

Internet addiction: a systematic review of epidemiological research for the last decade

In the last decade, Internet usage has grown tremendously on a global scale. The increasing popularity and frequency of Internet use has led to an increasing number of reports highlighting the potential negative consequences of overuse. Over the last decade, research into Internet addiction has proliferated. This paper reviews the existing 68 epidemiological studies of Internet addiction that (i) contain quantitative empirical data, (ii) have been published after 2000, (iii) include an analysis relating to Internet addiction, (iv) include a minimum of 1000 participants, and (v) provide a full-text article published in English using the database Web of Science. Assessment tools and conceptualisations, prevalence, and associated factors in adolescents and adults are scrutinised. The results reveal the following. First, no gold standard of Internet addiction classification exists as 21 different assessment instruments have been identified. They adopt official criteria for substance use disorders or pathological gambling, no or few criteria relevant for an addiction diagnosis, time spent online, or resulting problems. Second, reported prevalence rates differ as a consequence of different assessment tools and cut-offs, ranging from 0.8% in Italy to 26.7% in Hong Kong. Third, Internet addiction is associated with a number of sociodemographic, Internet use, and psychosocial factors, as well as comorbid symptoms and disorder in adolescents and adults. The results indicate that a number of core symptoms (i.e., compulsive use, negative outcomes and salience) appear relevant for diagnosis, which assimilates Internet addiction and other addictive disorders and also differentiates them, implying a conceptualisation as syndrome with similar etiology and components, but different expressions of addictions. Limitations include the exclusion of studies with smaller sample sizes and studies focusing on specific online behaviours. Conclusively, there is a need for nosological precision so that ultimately those in need can be helped by translating the scientific evidence established in the context of Internet addiction into actual clinical practice

Should we protect people with ADHD from playing? A review on the association between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder.

Introdução: Desde a introdução da Perturbação do Jogo pela Internet (PJI) na 5ª edição do Manual de Diagnóstico e Estatística das Perturbações Mentais (DSM-5), tem-se assistido a um rápido desenvolvimento da literatura sobre este assunto. Vários estudos têm abordado as comorbilidades associadas ao jogo patológico, mas poucos se focam especificamente na Perturbação de Hiperatividade e Défice de Atenção (PHDA). Esta monografia tem como objetivo rever o conhecimento atual sobre a associação entre PHDA e jogo patológico, assim como as lacunas existentes. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa de artigos em inglês na Pubmed até à data de Setembro de 2019 sobre jogo patológico e PHDA. Literatura adicional sobre o uso excessivo da internet foi também incluída quando o conteúdo sobre jogo era relevante. Foram discutidas as variáveis que influenciam a associação, mecanismos subjacentes e consequências futuras. Resultados: Os estudos publicados desde a DSM-5 revelam que os doentes com PHDA têm um OR de jogo patológico entre 1.27 e 13.51. Na figura 1 encontram-se os fatores que parecem mediar esta associação: impulsividade, hostilidade, desatenção, défice de competências sociais e pobre controlo inibitório. A explicação neurobiológica baseia-se na falta de dopamina caraterística da PHDA e que é suprimida pelo jogo, quando este ativa o sistema de recompensa cerebral dopaminérgico. Como resultado da associação das duas patologias, surge um ciclo vicioso que pode afetar negativamente várias dimensões da vida do doente com PHDA, salientando a importância do controlo do tempo de jogo. Conclusão: A PHDA parece aumentar o risco de jogo patológico quando comparado com a população saudável, no entanto a direccionalidade da associação ainda não é clara devido a limitações metodológicas dos estudos.Introduction: Since Internet Gaming Disorder was included in the Fifth Edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there is a growing body of literature concerning this issue. Most studies have focused generally on the comorbidities linked to pathological gaming, while there have been a few focusing specifically on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This review aims to review the knowledge concerning the association between ADHD and pathological gaming and the existing gaps. Methods: Relevant literature on data included in this review were identified through a search of Pubmed in relation to pathological gaming and ADHD for articles in English until September 2019. Additional literature about internet addiction was included when gaming content was considered relevant. Variables influencing the association, underlying mechanisms and consequences in the future were also discussed. Results: Since DSM-5 included IGD, the OR for pathological gaming in ADHD ranged between 1.27 and 13.51. Figure 1 shows the possible factors mediating this association. The literature proposes impulsivity, hostility, inattention, social skills deficits and poor inhibitory control as mediators, based on ADHD lack of dopamine suppressed by gaming, when it activates brain's dopamine reward system. The association between ADHD symptoms and gaming disorder suggests a vicious cycle that can negatively affect varied life dimensions, raising the importance of controlling time playing of ADHD patients. Conclusions: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder seems to increase the risk of pathological gaming when compared to healthy population, but the directionality remains unclear because of methodological weaknesses in the studies

Internet addiction and problematic Internet use: A systematic review of clinical research

AIM: To provide a comprehensive overview of clinical studies on the clinical picture of Internet-use related addictions from a holistic perspective. A literature search was conducted using the database Web of Science. METHODS: Over the last 15 years, the number of Internet users has increased by 1000%, and at the same time, research on addictive Internet use has proliferated. Internet addiction has not yet been understood very well, and research on its etiology and natural history is still in its infancy. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association included Internet Gaming Disorder in the appendix of the updated version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as condition that requires further research prior to official inclusion in the main manual, with important repercussions for research and treatment. To date, reviews have focused on clinical and treatment studies of Internet addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder. This arguably limits the analysis to a specific diagnosis of a potential disorder that has not yet been officially recognised in the Western world, rather than a comprehensive and inclusive investigation of Internet-use related addictions (including problematic Internet use) more generally. RESULTS: The systematic literature review identified a total of 46 relevant studies. The included studies used clinical samples, and focused on characteristics of treatment seekers and online addiction treatment. Four main types of clinical research studies were identified, namely research involving (1) treatment seeker characteristics; (2) psychopharmacotherapy; (3) psychological therapy; and (4) combined treatment. CONCLUSION: A consensus regarding diagnostic criteria and measures is needed to improve reliability across studies and to develop effective and efficient treatment approaches for treatment seekers

The Prevalence of ADHD in American Society: The Influence of Parent-Child and Child-Technology Interactions

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that begins in childhood and persists throughout adulthood and is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Societal attitudes classify the diagnosis of ADHD differently in establishing what behaviors are deemed acceptable or tolerable in children depending on the particular region or area. American culture provides an important framework for societal perspectives of how ADHD is expressed through behaviors that are considered an abnormal pathology. The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review of ADHD in various cultures to ascertain why the prevalence of this disorder continues to rise in American society. The hypothesis we assume for the increased rates of ADHD in our society is based on a linkage of events created by effects from a lack of parent-child interactions that lead to an increase in technology use which develops behaviors that mimic ADHD-like traits

A link between internet addiction and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in Pakistani undergraduates

The current research aims to establish a link between internet addiction and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms among Pakistani Undergraduates. The sample comprised of (N =1020) undergraduates from Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan (BZU) and The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Pakistan, including 255 male and 255 female from each university. A-Priori sample size was estimated with 974 participants, to consider sample size sufficiency, twenty three respondents were taken additionally from each university. There were two questionnaires employed; Chen Internet Addiction Scale by © Ko et al. (2005), and ADHD Adult Self Reporting Scale (ASRS) by © Kessler et al. (2005). Cross-sectional survey research design was used. Data were collected through purposive sampling and analyzed by use of SPSS (21.0). Regression, t-Test, mean, and standard deviation were employed. The result depicts; overall 28% students fulfill the criteria of internet addiction, and comparatively BZU students have higher prevalence of internet addiction with ADHD symptoms as compared to IUB. Likewise, male students are found more vulnerable towards ADHD symptoms and internet addiction as compared to female students. Study proved the significant relation of internet addiction with ADHD symptoms (0.082*). Finally, implications, significance of the study, and limitation are enclosed