(1) Background: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) in youths likely leads to disruptive mood
dysregulation, especially among those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Whether IGD mediates the pathways leading ADHD to disruptive emotional dysfunction remains
unclear. This study aims to elucidate the direct or indirect influence of IGD on ADHD; (2) Method:
The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Version IV questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms of
ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, and the Chen gaming disorder scale was used to measure
IGD. A psychiatrist diagnosed ADHD, IGD, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)-
like symptoms. Structural equation modeling was applied to evaluate the role of IGD in mediating
ADHD progression to disruptive mood dysregulation; (3) Results: Among a total of 102 ADHD
youths, 53 (52%) of them with IGD were significantly more likely to have poor interpersonal relationships
(p < 0.01) and DMDD-like symptoms (p < 0.01) than ADHD youths without IGD. IGD
played a mediating role in increasing the risk of disruptive mood dysregulation in ADHD youths;
(4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that IGD mediates ADHD’s progression to disruptive mood
dysregulation. Intensive biopsychosocial interventions are warranted for ADHD youths with IGD.
More children and adolescents became mood-dysregulated after excessive gaming during the
COVID-19 pandemic; this study’s results suggest that child mental health experts develop earlier
detection and prevention strategies for children and adolescents hidden behind internet addiction.
關聯:
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(11):6648
