Online gaming features in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder


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UÇUR Ö., DÖNMEZ Y. E.

ANADOLU KLİNİĞİ TIP BİLİMLERİ DERGİSİ, cilt.28, sa.2, ss.198-207, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi) identifier

Özet

Aim: Leisure activities in adolescents with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to focus on Internet activities, especially online games. Online gaming addiction has been observed in ADHD populations. Game genres and characteristics may affect addiction in ADHD adolescents who play online games. This study aims to contribute to the literature by examining the Internet gaming disorder (IGD) risk effects and game genres of hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention, and ADHD index separately. Methods: A total of 884 adolescents playing online games were included. Participants answered the online game features form, Conners-Wells’ adolescent self-report scale—long version and digital gaming addiction scale—short form under the observation of their teachers. Game genres and ADHD symptomatology (Inattention, Hyperactivity/impulsivity, ADHD index) were categorized within themselves. Results: IGD was significant in all subcomponents of ADHD symptomatology. In all subcomponents, insulting/threatening speeches were found in the chat tab. In the Hyperactivity/impulsivity component, more hours of online gaming and spending real money on in-game advantages were found. In the Inattention and ADHD index, the amount of gaming in the social environment of the adolescents was high. In ADHD symptomatology, no significant results were found in game genres (except sports in the Inattention component). nclusion: Although levels of online gaming are high in adolescents with ADHD, a bidirectional relationship is likely. We believe that social factors and communicative characteristics are important in relational factors in adolescents. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to answer important empirical questions about the relationship between ADHD-IGD and game genres.