[Internet Addiction, Suicidality and Non-Suicidal Self-Harming Behavior - A Systematic Review]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Internet addiction (IA) frequently co-occurs with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and personality disorders.
• IA is associated with significant psychological distress.
• This study focuses on the relationship between IA, suicidal behavior, and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the existing research literature on the association between Internet addiction (IA) and suicidal behavior.
• To investigate the link between IA and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI).
• To assess the prevalence of NSSI and suicidality in individuals with IA.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across 14 databases using keywords for IA, NSSI, and suicidality.
• Articles were filtered based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on studies using validated psychometric instruments.
• A total of 15 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review.

Main Results:

• Ten studies examined the IA-suicidality link, four explored IA, suicidality, and NSSI, and one focused on IA and NSSI.
• All included studies reported higher prevalence rates of NSSI and suicidality among individuals with IA compared to those without.
• Point prevalence for NSSI and suicidality in IA subjects varied significantly, ranging from 1.6% to 18.7%.

Conclusions:

• Internet addiction is associated with increased rates of non-suicidal self-harm and suicidality.
• Suicidal ideation appears more closely linked to IA than actual suicidal actions.
• NSSI and suicidality require explicit consideration in the assessment and treatment of individuals with IA.