New research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry has found that symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are linked to a higher risk of internet addiction (IA) among college students in China. The study examined how executive dysfunction and insomnia may mediate this relationship, and considered the potential protective role of physical activity.
The researchers recruited 1,925 students aged 16 and older from six universities in Hunan, China. Participants completed surveys measuring ADHD symptoms using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), executive dysfunction with the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale, Short Form (BDEFS-SF), insomnia using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and internet addiction through the Chinese IA Scale, Revision (CIAS-R). Information about physical activity habits was also collected.
Among participants, 14 percent met criteria for IA symptoms while 12.5 percent showed clinical-level ADHD symptoms based on screening scores. The study found that those with IA symptoms had higher levels of reported ADHD symptoms, executive dysfunction, and insomnia. They also engaged less frequently in regular exercise routines and had shorter durations per session.
According to the study authors: "ADHD symptoms were associated with IA symptoms, with executive dysfunction and insomnia statistically mediating this relationship." The data suggested that moderate and high levels of physical activity were linked to lower risk of IA, while low levels did not show a significant association. These findings held even after accounting for possible confounding factors such as age, sex, or academic grade.
The authors noted that their results indicate interventions for internet addiction might benefit from targeting sleep quality, increasing physical activity, and improving executive functioning. However, they cautioned: "Because this study used a cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be established, and the findings should be interpreted as associations rather than cause-and-effect relationships." The use of self-reported data and sampling from one region also limit generalizability.
They concluded that further longitudinal or interventional research is necessary before making firm clinical recommendations regarding prevention or treatment strategies for internet addiction among college students.
