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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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01-10-2018 | Original Article

Computer Gaming Disorder and ADHD in Young Children—a Population-Based Study

Authors: Frank W. Paulus, Jenny Sinzig, Hannah Mayer, Monika Weber, Alexander von Gontard

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

As new mass media has become a common activity already in nursery school, this study aimed to analyze computer game playing, addiction, and ADHD in a representative population-based sample of young children. Parents filled out a standardized questionnaire including items for ADHD, media use, and computer gaming disorder. The response rate was 83.2% (N = 1271). The mean age was 5.8 years (SD 0.38). Boys play computer games more often and longer than girls. In consequence, boys were rated more often to be at risk or to have a computer gaming disorder than girls. Children with elevated ADHD scores showed significantly higher computer gaming disorder scores. Clinically relevant inattention scores were associated with longer and more computer gaming. In a multiple regression analysis, problem game playing was best explained by a combination of frequency, gender, inattention, and hyperactivity-impulsivity score (p < .001; R ² = .305).

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Title: Computer Gaming Disorder and ADHD in Young Children—a Population-Based Study
Authors: Frank W. Paulus
Jenny Sinzig
Hannah Mayer
Monika Weber
Alexander von Gontard
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-017-9841-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Computer Gaming Disorder and ADHD in Young Children—a Population-Based Study

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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