Relationship of Problematic Internet Use with Emotion Regulation in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between problematic internet use and emotion regulation in adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Adolescents diagnosed with ADHD were given the Young Internet Addiction Scale (YIAS). They were divided into two groups problematic internet use (PIU) above 50 points (n=41) and normal internet use (NIU) below 50 points (n=41). The groups were compared by giving the AtillaTurgay DSM-IV Based for Child and Adolescent DistruptiveBehaviour Disorders Rating Scale (ATS) to the parents and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to the adolescents. Results: The sample consisted of 25 (30.5%) girls and 57 (69.5%) boys, with a mean age of 14±1.8 years. Major depressive disorder (p=0.012), conduct disorder (p=0.034), and elimination disorder (p=0.040) were significantly higher in the PIU group compared to the NIU group. The mean scores of the YIAS, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) subscale of ATS, and the goals subscale of DERS were higher in the PIU group (p<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between YIAS and DERS (p=0.030). Conclusion: The attendance of ADHD with problematic internet use increases emotion regulation difficulties and morbidity. There is a need for studies with a larger sample size and including healthy controls.