Psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with Internet addiction: Comparison with substance use

Abstract

Aims:The aim of the present study was to compare psychiatric symptoms between adolescents with and without Internet addiction, as well as between analogs with and without substance use.Methods: A total of 3662 students (2328 male and 1334 female) were recruited for the study. Self-report scales were utilized to assess psychiatric symptoms, Internet addiction, and substance use.Results: It was found that Internet addiction or substance use in adolescents was associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms. Hostility and depression were associated with Internet addiction and substance use after controlling for other symptoms.Conclusions: This result partially supports the hypothesis that Internet addiction should be included in the organization of problem behavior theory, and it is suggested that prevention and intervention can best be carried out when grouped with other problem behaviors. Moreover, more attention should be devoted to hostile and depressed adolescents in the design of preventive strategies and the related therapeutic interventions for Internet addiction.

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

“…In all of these studies, the relatively liberal cut-off point of 63/64 on the CIAS has been applied. Prevalence estimates varied substantially, with the lowest rate of 10.8% found in an adolescent sample in Southern Taiwan [79], whereas in other adolescents samples in Southern Taiwan prevalence rates between 18% and 21% were reported [80,[82][83][84][85][86][87].…”

“…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

“…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. On the other hand, Lee et al 14 reported that IAD could be conceptualized as an impulse control disorder and that trait impulsivity is a marker for vulnerability to IAD.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] In particular, Internet overuse in adolescents has been a major research topic in various countries. [5][6][7][8] Adolescence is a period of rapid psychological maturation and of susceptibility to Internet attraction, 9 and adolescents were found to be particularly vulnerable to the negative health impacts of Internet overuse. [10][11][12] Among the negative health impacts, the relationship between Internet addiction and aggression has been addressed.…”

Internet Addiction: The Problem and Treatment

“…Nine studies used Chen's Internet Addiction Scale (Chen, Weng, Su, Wu, & Yang, 2003), with sample sizes ranging between 1,890 and 9,405 Taiwanese adolescents . Prevalence estimates varied between 10.8% ) and 21% in Taiwanese samples (Kuss et al, 2014;Ko et al, 2006;Ko, Yen, Yen, Chen, & Wang, 2008;Yen et al, 2008;Yen, Ko, Yen, Wu, & Yang, 2007;Yen, Yen, Chen, Chen, & Ko, 2007).…”