Facebook Role Play Addiction - A Comorbidity with Multiple Compulsive-Impulsive Spectrum Disorders

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Problematic Internet use (PIU) is a growing concern with diverse presentations.
• Behavioral addictions frequently co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
• Social networking site (SNS) addiction and role-playing game (RPG) addiction are often studied independently.

Observation:

• A case of a 15-year-old female with childhood ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trichotillomania presented with excessive Facebook use.
• Her primary online activity involved creating and embodying fictional characters within a group setting on the SNS.
• Symptoms of craving, salience, withdrawal, mood modification, and conflict were evident, leading to significant social and occupational impairment.

Findings:

• This case illustrates the interplay of vulnerability and sociofamilial factors in the development of behavioral addiction.
• Untreated psychiatric comorbidities significantly contribute to the severity and complexity of PIU.
• Role-playing on SNS represents a distinct genre of PIU, potentially reaching epidemic levels.

Implications:

• Individuals with temperamental predispositions are at higher risk for developing behavioral addictions.
• Integrated management of PIU and comorbid conditions is essential for effective treatment.
• The evolving nature of PIU necessitates ongoing research into its varied manifestations and underlying mechanisms.