Problematic online gaming mediates the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity and subsequent mental health issues in adolescents.

ABSTRACT: Theoretical models suggest that attention-deficit/hyperactivity and problematic online gaming could contribute to negative mental health outcomes, yet evidence on their interplay remains limited. Using data from 3171 adolescents in the Tokyo Teen Cohort, the present study examined the interplay of attention-deficit/hyperactivity at age 12 and problematic online gaming at age 14 associated with mental health issues at age 16. The sample consisted of 1487 girls (46.9%) and 1684 boys (53.1%). Doubly robust estimation revealed that a high degree of problematic online gaming consistently elevated the absolute and relative risks of mental health issues. The fully adjusted risk difference and risk ratio (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) were: incident depression, 7.8% (3.0%-13.1%) and 1.62 (1.25-2

SUBMITTER: Narita ZC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12322020 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature