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A study has identified a significant link between gaming disorder and ADHD in college students.

ADHD and Gaming Disorder

Scientists have discovered a connection between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and gaming disorder among university students in Lebanon. A notable 35.7% of students with gaming disorder also exhibit ADHD symptoms. Comparatively, only 24% of students without gaming disorder display ADHD symptoms. This association appears stronger in female students than in male students. These findings were published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Gaming Disorder

Gaming disorder is defined by an inability to control gaming habits, prioritizing gaming over other activities, and continuing to game despite negative outcomes. For a diagnosis, these behaviors must significantly impair personal, social, educational, or occupational functioning for at least 12 months, although a shorter duration may be considered in severe cases.

ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that disrupt daily life. While it is usually diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood, affecting social interactions and overall functioning.

Gaming on Workdays and Weekends

Researchers Nazir Hawi and Maya Samaha aimed to explore the link between gaming disorder and ADHD in Lebanese university students, focusing on the severity of ADHD symptoms, gender differences, and the impact on academic performance. They surveyed 383 students, aged 20 on average, during June and July 2019. The survey included assessments for gaming disorder (using the IGD-20) and ADHD (using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale), alongside demographic information and GPA data.

The study found that 4.3% of participants met the criteria for gaming disorder, with 93% of these being male. Among those with gaming disorder, 35.7% also had ADHD, compared to 23.3% of those without gaming disorder. Students with gaming disorder spent more time gaming on workdays and weekends than those without the disorder. Females without gaming disorders spent fewer hours gaming than their male counterparts.

Conclusions and Implications

The study's findings suggest a significant relationship between gaming disorder and ADHD, with a stronger correlation observed in females. Furthermore, both disorders negatively affect academic performance, potentially hindering academic success. However, the study's design does not establish causality and relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. The prevalence of ADHD in the sample is also higher than typical epidemiological estimates.

This research highlights the need for further investigation into the interplay between gaming disorder, ADHD, and academic performance in university students.