In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the amount and pattern of screen time among college students. The relationship between increased screen time and quality of life (QoL), COVID-related stress, and personality traits were also explored. A cross-sectional online survey-based study was conducted among Indian college students who were recruited by purposive sampling. Details regarding socio-demographics, amount and pattern of screen time usage, change in screen time patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, and COVID-related stress were collected. In addition, personality traits and QoL were assessed with validated questionnaires. A total of 731 responses (51% female, mean age 20.7 years) were analysed. Of the participants, 93.2% self-reported an increase in daily screen time during COVID-19. The predominant reasons for the increased screen time were educational screen time (89.6%), streaming or watching videos for entertainment (82.8%), use of social media for non-communication purposes (78.1%), communication with friends and/or family members (76.2%), reading or watching news (65.9%), and interactive recreational screen time (44.7%). A small but significant negative correlation between increased screen time and QoL (rs = -0.154, p < .001) was found. Increased screen time due to the use of social media for non-communication purposes was associated with poorer QoL (U = 32947.50; p = .02) and greater COVID stress (U = 32381.50; p = .01). Educational screen time was the most common cause for increased screen time among college students and was not associated with negative effects on QoL. The context and purpose of screen time appears to be important in ascertaining the impact of screen time on QoL.

Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is defined by abrupt emergence of obsessive–compulsive behaviours and/or food restriction with concurrent cognitive and behavioural symptoms. Symptoms of obsessive–compulsive disorder and eating disorder frequently overlap in such cases, clouding diagnostic certainty and hypothesized etiologic factors. This case illustrates an atypical eating disorder presentation, resulting from PANS wherein a meticulous ruling out of organic causes andtimely institution of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor facilitated remission. Through this case report the authors highlight the need of awareness of other medical practitioners regarding the symptomatology and presentation of PANS so as to facilitate early intervention in a collaborative approach.

Background: The current article reports on the findings from a cross-sectional survey conducted among college students on a subjectively reported and objectively measured smartphone screen time (ST) and its relation to mental well-being. Methods: We explored the magnitude of discrepancy between subjectively reported and objectively measured smartphone ST. Moreover, we assessed the interaction of mental well-being with personality traits among subjects with a discrepancy between the subjectively reported and objectively measured smartphone ST. The mental health of study participants was assessed using the WHO well-being index. Personality was assessed using the Big Five Inventory (BFI)-10. A total of 202 students shared screenshots of the phone ST function and were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 145 (71.8%) participants underestimated their daily smartphone ST, whereas 56 (27.7%) of them overestimated ST. In the regression analysis, the predicted odds of poor mental well-being were 1.43 times greater for subjects with higher neuroticism scores in the overall sample. Moreover, the predicted odds of poor mental well-being were 1.593 times greater for subjects with higher neuroticism scores among the study subjects who underestimated their ST. Conclusions: The findings of the current study suggested that the magnitude of discrepancy between the subjectively estimated and objectively estimated ST varies across college students, with the discrepancy being significantly higher among those who overestimated their ST. The predicted odds of poor mental well-being were about one and a half times greater for subjects with higher neuroticism scores among college students who underestimated their ST.