Predictive Values of Psychiatric Symptoms for Internet Addiction in Adolescents

Abstract

To evaluate the predictive values of psychiatric symptoms for the occurrence of Internet addiction and to determine the sex differences in the predictive value of psychiatric symptoms for the occurrence of Internet addiction in adolescents. Design: Internet addiction, depression, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, social phobia, and hostility were assessed by self-reported questionnaires. Participants were then invited to be assessed for Internet addiction 6, 12, and 24 months later (the second, third, and fourth assessments, respectively). Setting: Ten junior high schools in southern Taiwan. Participants: A total of 2293 (1179 boys and 1114 girls) adolescents participated in the initial investigation. Main Exposure: The course of time. Main Outcome Measure: Internet addiction as assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale. Results: Depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social phobia, and hostility were found to predict the occurrence of Internet addiction in the 2-year followup, and hostility and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were the most significant predictors of Internet addiction in male and female adolescents, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, hostility, depression, and social phobia should be detected early on and intervention carried out to prevent Internet addiction in adolescents. Also, sex differences in psychiatric comorbidity should be taken into consideration when developing prevention and intervention strategies for Internet addiction.

Reliability and construct validity of the Online Cognition Scale in the Portuguese (Brazil) version (OCS-BR)

“…Until now, the temporal relation between these disorders is not established yet. Only one longitudinal study was done by Ko et al 42 . The authors have evaluated 2,293 taiwanese students with a regular age of 12.36 years old.…”

Internet Addiction: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Research for the Last Decade

“…Chen's Internet Addiction Scale was used in nine studies including adolescent samples [79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87]. The sample sizes ranged from 1,890 students in Taiwan [87] to including 9,405 in Southern Taiwan [80].…”

Are Adolescents with Internet Addiction Prone to Aggressive Behavior? The Mediating Effect of Clinical Comorbidities on the Predictability of Aggression in Adolescents with Internet Addiction

“…[10][11][12] Among the negative health impacts, the relationship between Internet addiction and aggression has been addressed. Ko et al 13 reported that although Internet use may reduce distress by providing immediate rewards and opportunities to engage in different activities, excessive use of the Internet is an important risk factor for aggression. Similarly, Yen et al 8 found a high correlation between aggressive behaviors and Internet addiction.…”