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Digital Media, Genetics and Change in ADHD Symptoms in Children – A Longitudinal Study
14 Pages Posted: 21 Jun 2024
More...Abstract
Background: Children spend a significant amount of time using digital media (DM). Longer exposure to DM might increase attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related symptoms, although findings are mixed. We investigated the longitudinal association between different types of DM usage and ADHD-related symptoms in school-aged children, while accounting for genetic predisposition and socioeconomic status.
Methods: A prospective, multicentre, longitudinal study of children from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study, recruited between 2016-2018, and followed over a period of four years. In total, 8324 children (boys, 4408 (53%)) were included at baseline, with a mean age of 9.9 years. Estimated time spent on (i) social media use, (ii) playing video games, and (iii) watching television/videos during each annual visit was documented using a self-reported Youth Screen Time Survey. ADHD-related symptoms were assessed at each visit using the parent-reported Child Behaviour Checklist. Genetic predisposition was estimated using a polygenic risk score for ADHD (PGS-ADHD).
Findings: On average, children spent 2·3 hours/day watching television/videos, 1·4 hours/day using social media, and 1·5 hours/day playing video games. Average social media usage was associated with an increase in inattention symptoms over time (β [SE], 0·03 [0·01]; P=<0·001). The total effect size of social media over four years was, β [SE], 0·15 [0·03]; P=<0·001). In contrast, average use of playing video games or watching television/videos was not associated with an increase in ADHD-related symptoms. Sex, ADHD diagnosis, PGS-ADHD, or medication status at T0, did not modify the association between social media usage and ADHD-related symptoms over time. There was no evidence that inattention caused increased use of social media.
Interpretation: Social media usage was associated with an increase in inattention symptoms in children over time. Although the observed effect size was small, it could have significant consequences if behavior changes occur at the population level.
Funding: Swedish Research Council.
Declaration of Interest: No disclosures were reported.
Ethical Approval: All children and their parents/guardians provided informed written assent/consent for participation, and the central Institutional Review Board at the University of California, San Diego approved the study protocols. This study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) reporting guideline.
Keywords: Screen time, ADHD, social media, video games, inattention, polygenic risk scores
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