Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents and Its Connection to ADHD and Autism
**before getting into this I want to acknowledge that article outlines problematic internet use and does not consider the positives**
Problematic internet use (PIU) in adolescents refers to the uncontrolled use of interactive screen media, resulting in negative consequences that affect an individual’s ability to function in various aspects of their life.12 This behavior can manifest in different ways, including:
- Excessive online or offline video game play
- Compulsive social media use
- Pornography viewing
- Information binging
Adolescents are especially vulnerable to PIU due to the underdeveloped prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions like judgment and decision-making and does not fully mature until the mid-20s.14 The symptoms of internet addiction have been associated with poor executive function, much like other behavioral addictions.15
PIU can lead to a range of issues including:
- Academic challenges
- Social withdrawal
- Behavioural problems
- Family conflict
- Physical and mental health problems
Considerations for ADHD and Autism
ADHD
- Children and adolescents with ADHD may be more likely to engage in problematic media use habits
- Challenges with attention, impulsivity, and hyper activity may draw these individuals to the internet, where they may struggle to regulate their usage
- Interactive media may be a coping strategy for difficulties with social or academic challenges and can lead to excessive gaming
- ADHD is one of the most common comorbidities associated with problematic internet use
Autism
- Individuals with ASD may be particularly vulnerable to problematic video game use
- The preference for non-social objects and specific special interests could contribute to problematic internet use
- Online chatting and gaming may act as a more comfortable way for autistic people to interact
Assessment Options for Problematic Internet Use in Teens
Problematic internet use is not a DSM diagnosis at present
There are multiple assessment options, though one of the most studied tools is the Addiction Test for Adolescents (IAT-A)
Future considerations:
- Chatbot use
Sources:
European Journal of Paediatric Neurology 51 (2024) 125–131: This article reports on the validation of the Internet Addiction Test for Adolescents (IAT-A) in the Georgian language. The study found that the Georgian version of the IAT-A is a reliable and valid tool for assessing internet addiction in Georgian adolescents.
Relationship of Internet gaming disorder with dissociative experience in Italian university students: This article investigates the prevalence of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among Italian university students and explores the relationship between IGD and dissociative phenomena. The results showed a high incidence of Internet gaming disorder risk in the studied sample and a positive correlation between IGD risk and dissociative experiences, such as depersonalization and absorption.
A systematic review of gaming disorders in ASD: This systematic review examines problematic video game use in individuals with ASD, finding that individuals with ASD may be at a greater risk. The review also explores factors that may predict problematic video game use, such as social aspects and parental rules.
CBT-IA: Treating Internet Addiction: This article outlines a three-phase cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) model for treating internet addiction. The phases include behavior modification to reduce time spent online, cognitive therapy to address denial and rationalizations, and harm reduction therapy for relapse prevention.
Problematic interactive media use in teens: comorbidities, assessment, and treatment: This review summarizes research on Problematic Interactive Media Use (PIMU), emphasizing the need for awareness, assessment, and treatment strategies for the disorder. The authors provide an overview of the subtypes of PIMU, its assessment, and various treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of understanding the interplay between the child, technology, and human behavior.
Gaming disorder and computer-mediated communication in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: This study focuses on the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The authors argue that individuals with ASD might be drawn to CMC because it provides more control and fewer distractions compared to face-to-face interactions.
Which Are the Optimal Screening Tools for Internet Use Disorder in Children and Adolescents? A Systematic Review of Psychometric Evidence: This systematic review analyzes the psychometric properties of various screening tools for Internet Use Disorder (IUD) in children and adolescents. The study found a lack of consensus on the optimal IUD assessment tool and suggests further research is needed to establish standardized screening instruments.
Note:
This was created in part with the use of GoogleLM