Reducing smartphone overuse for adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder: study protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Smartphone overuse (SO) is a growing concern impacting quality of life and mental health.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a significant risk factor for SO.
• Existing SO interventions have not been specifically designed or tested for individuals with ADHD using a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a smartphone-based behavioral and individualized intervention for adolescents diagnosed with ADHD and experiencing SO in Hong Kong.
• To assess the intervention's impact on ADHD symptoms and neural correlates of SO.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 120 adolescents with ADHD and SO.
• Intervention group received individualized behavioral strategies via smartphone; control group self-monitored usage.
• Objective smartphone usage, self/parent-rated ADHD symptoms, and resting-state EEG were measured pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 9-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated a sustained reduction in self-reported smartphone dependence and objective smartphone usage.
• Significant improvements were observed in self and parent-rated ADHD symptoms in the intervention group.
• Spectral power differences in resting-state EEG indicated intervention effects on neural correlates of SO.

Conclusions:

• The smartphone-based intervention is an effective and cost-efficient solution for adolescents with ADHD and SO.
• The study establishes a causal link between reduced SO and improved ADHD symptoms.
• Findings contribute to evidence-based practices for SO interventions and inform global discussions on SO and ADHD.