Multi-dimensional correlates of Internet addiction symptoms in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

• No study has examined the individual and family correlates of Internet addiction in adolescents clinically diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• The present study found that higher Behavioral Inhibition System scores, lower drive and higher Behavioral Approach System (BAS) fun-seeking scores, lower paternal occupational socioeconomic status, less satisfactory family relationships, online gaming, using instant messaging and watching movies online, and lower hyperactivity/impulsivity were significantly associated with more severe Internet addiction.

This study examined the associations of the severity of Internet addiction symptoms with reinforcement sensitivity, family factors, Internet activities, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms among adolescents in Taiwan diagnosed with ADHD. A total of 287 adolescents diagnosed with ADHD and aged between 11 and 18 years participated in this study. Their levels of Internet addiction symptoms, ADHD symptoms, reinforcement sensitivity, family factors, and various Internet activities in which the participants engaged were assessed. The correlates of the severities of Internet addiction symptoms were determined using multiple regression analyses. The results indicated that low satisfaction with family relationships was the strongest factor predicting severe Internet addiction symptoms, followed by using instant messaging, watching movies, high Behavioral Approach System (BAS) fun seeking, and high Behavioral Inhibition System scores. Meanwhile, low paternal occupational SES, low BAS drive, and online gaming were also significantly associated with severe Internet addiction symptoms. Multiple factors are significantly associated with the severity of Internet addiction symptoms among adolescents with ADHD. Clinicians, educational professionals, and parents of adolescents with ADHD should monitor the Internet use of adolescents who exhibit the factors identified in this study.