Factors associated with problematic internet use among children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the association of problematic internet use with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), personal risk factors, and familial factors and compare with a healthy control group and investigate the risk factors. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 34 children aged 12–16 years and their families who applied to Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry with the diagnosis of ADHD. The control group consisted of 36 junior high and high school children aged 12–16 years and their families. The control group was matched with the ADHD group for age and sex. The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and LifetimeVersion (K-SADS-PL) version was used according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV criteria for patients with ADHD and the control group. Internet/Computer Use Assessment Questionnaire for Children/Adolescents, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire adolescent form (SDQ), and Online Cognition Scale (OCS) were applied to children. Internet/Computer Use Assessment Questionnaire for Parents and SDQ-parent form and Family Assessment (FAS) were applied to the parents. RESULTS: Weekly internet usage was higher in the ADHD group than the control group. The OCS total scores and subscale scores were significantly higher in the ADHD group. The subscales of SDQ hyperactivity, conduct problems, and peer problems were significantly higher in the ADHD group. FAS-general functions, communication, roles and behavior control subscale scores were higher in the ADHD group. There was no significant difference between groups regarding the internet usage in the daily life, with the availability of a computer and internet at home. In the ADHD group, there was a significant correlation between the OCS scores, weekly internet usage, and psychiatric comorbidities Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. Also, affective responsiveness subscale scores of FAS were significantly correlated with OCS scores in the ADHD group. CONCLUSION: In this study, it was noted that problematic internet use was more frequent in ADHD. During ADHD treatment, problematic internet use may interfere in the treatment goals. Interventions to problematic internet use should consider familial emotional expression studies.