ADHD and Screen Addiction: Is There a Connection?
Published:
Jul 25, 2024
,
06:23p.m.
ET
Some research has revealed that ADHD can be linked to excessive screen use. A smartphone or internet addiction can worsen symptoms of ADHD. Thankfully, you can have control over your ADHD and screen addiction.
Treatment options for ADHD and screen addiction are available. You can also make healthy lifestyle changes that you can use as coping mechanisms whenever stress occurs. This guide will explain the link between ADHD and screen addiction.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that can affect your behavior. Symptoms start in childhood and last into adulthood. Individuals who struggle with ADHD may experience restlessness or difficulty concentrating. Or, they could impulsively act out.
The cause of ADHD is unknown. The condition can be hereditary. Research has shown that individuals who struggle with ADHD might have the following factors:
Premature birth
Low birthweight
Alcohol, drug abuse, or smoking during pregnancy
ADHD can happen regardless of an individual’s intellectual ability. But it’s more common in those with learning disabilities. It’s also common in those who are prone to behavioral addictions such as screen addiction.
What is Screen Addiction?
Screen addiction involves excessive use of technology. This typically involves prolonged periods playing video games, watching television, scrolling social media, and looking at smartphones or tablets. It makes it difficult to give up screen use, even if you have a desire to.
Screen addiction is identified by a compulsive desire for electronic gadgets. Some individuals might rely on excessive screen use as an escape from daily life and responsibilities. It becomes a digital drug. Screen addiction can negatively impact work, school, or social relationships.
It can also cause mental and physical problems, such as anxiety, depression, eye strain, migraines, insomnia, and social isolation. Screen addiction is common due to the increased use of smart technology. Digital gadgets offer a stream of notifications that can be difficult to ignore. This stimulus activates the brain’s reward system, resulting in an addiction.
Is there a link between ADHD and Screen Addiction?
David W. Goodman, MD, the director of the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Center of Maryland, says that individuals with ADHD crave engagement. If an activity stimulates them, they’ll rely on it for greater stimulation. The internet is a stimulating place that keeps most people engaged for hours.
However, most people who use the internet don’t become addicted to it. Individuals with ADHD seek activities that give them a dopamine boost. They might seek sensations and rewards that stimulate those parts of their brains. For example, gaming apps and social media can provide those rewards.
Clinical neuropsychologist Russel A. Barkley, PhD revealed that individuals with ADHD often want a “quick fix” to their difficult emotions and overwhelming feelings. Smart technology allows them to stay focused for a specified amount of time. Self-regulation is rare in individuals with ADHD. Because of this, they can make impulsive decisions that can cause harm.
Treating ADHD and Screen Addiction
The first step to treating ADHD is to get an official diagnosis. If you’re already in treatment, speak to your doctor or mental health specialist about your screen addiction. ADHD medication can help reduce feelings of impulsivity and reward seeking. Some medications can also help treat self-regulation during stressful moments.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. Speak to your doctor if you’re feeling anxious or sad. Sometimes these feelings don’t go away on their own. They could be the sign of a mood disorder. Individuals with ADHD and screen addiction might have one of these mental health disorders.
Some doctors and mental health professionals offer treatments for both. They might also help you make healthy lifestyle habits. Some mobile apps have time limits for screen use. You can also schedule times for technology use, especially for work or school.
If you can, remove screens from your life. Access the internet on a computer if you can. That way, you become less addicted to smartphones, social media, and apps. Also, swap out your screen use for healthier habits. For example, go to the gym after work instead of scrolling your phone.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Ask your friend or loved one to hold you accountable. Or, you can join a support group such as Media Addicts Anonymous or Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous. Both offer online, phone, and in-person meetings that help teach you to use technology in a healthy way.
Birches Health offers virtual treatment for screen addiction. Individuals will receive an official diagnosis from a licensed clinician after undergoing an assessment. From there, individuals will receive a plan that helps with signs of ADHD and screen addiction.
Treatment for compulsive shopping can begin with one of the following steps with Birches:
You can also just call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team right away.
Warning signs of Screen Addiction
It’s imperative to take screen addiction seriously. It can be harmful to both children and adults with ADHD. Here are some warning signs you should look out for:
Inability to cut back or quit screen use
Losing interest in other activities
Withdrawal symptoms after quitting screen use
Screen use interferes with work, school, and relationships
Relying on screen time to escape daily problems or stress
Sneaking around screen use, especially late at night
Screen Addiction causes
The causes for screen addiction are similar to internet addiction. There’s no single cause. Several factors can play a role in screen addiction, including:
Genetics
Environmental factors
Mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression
According to experts, some individuals are more prone to addictive behavior due to a lack of dopamine levels in their brain. On the flip side, they might not have a balance of dopamine and serotonin. These two neurotransmitters can play a role in your feelings and emotions.
Connections between ADHD and other addictions
ADHD can have a negative impact on work and social relationships. This can make it hard for some to navigate life. Some individuals with ADHD might struggle with behavioral or substance addictions. Studies have shown that children with ADHD are likely to develop alcohol or substance abuse problems later in life.
One study showed that 14% of children with ADHD ages 15-17 struggled with alcohol abuse compared to their peers without ADHD. Meanwhile, individuals aged 25 or younger were more likely to use alcohol regardless of their ADHD diagnosis. But the study showed that individuals with ADHD were more likely to use alcohol.
It’s not just alcohol. Researchers found a link between ADHD and marijuana use. Some individuals with ADHD struggle with substance abuse problems at an earlier age than those without the condition.
According to ADDitude, some adults with ADHD might have addictive behaviors, most of which are left untreated. However, there is no link between ADHD and addictive disorders. There are many reasons as to why ADHD individuals exhibit addictive behaviors. They crave a need for pleasure-seeking and thrill-seeking experiences that they can get with smartphones and social media.
Daily stress like financial problems and job loss are other contributing factors to ADHD and addictive behaviors. Screen addiction offers a boost of dopamine that satisfies the brain’s reward chemistry. Eventually, the thrill wears off, but the addictive behavior continues.
Treating ADHD and addictions can be difficult. Some medications used to treat ADHD can form these habits in some individuals. Commonly prescribed stimulants like Adderrall and Ritalin can treat these symptoms, but they’re also at a higher risk for abuse.
Monitoring both issues is imperative to successful treatment. Also, a multidimensional approach to treatment can help individuals struggling with ADHD and addiction find long-term healing.
Sources:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Understanding Internet Addiction
ADHD and Internet Addiction: What’s the Link?
Addictive Behaviors and ADHD in Adults Explained
ADHD and Substance Abuse: Alcohol and Drugs Connected to ADHD
