The screens culture: impact on ADHD

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Child Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Children's electronic media use, including internet and gaming, has significantly increased.
• Concerns about uncontrolled internet use have led to research into "internet addiction."

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing research on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a risk factor for internet and gaming addiction.
• To explore the complications, remaining research, and methodological questions concerning ADHD and internet addiction.

Main Methods:

• Literature search conducted in PubMed and PsychInfo databases.
• Manual review of relevant studies and research papers.

Main Results:

• Internet addiction rates can be as high as 25%, with addiction correlating more strongly with psychopathology than mere time spent online.
• Studies confirm that psychiatric disorders, particularly ADHD, are associated with overuse of electronic media.
• ADHD severity is specifically correlated with the amount of media use, with vulnerable children drawn to games offering immediate rewards and brief, attention-non-demanding segments.

Conclusions:

• Internet and gaming overuse are significant concerns for youth with ADHD, potentially exacerbating symptoms.
• Effective treatment strategies for this population are lacking empirical research.
• Further research is needed on assessment measures for youth and parents, studies on at-risk children, and treatment interventions.