The study indicates that children aged 10 to 11 who are heavily engaged with social media, video games, texting, and videos face an increased risk of symptoms, including inflated self-esteem, a decreased need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity—behaviors associated with manic episodes, which are a central feature of bipolar-spectrum disorders.
“Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable time for the development of bipolar-spectrum disorders,” said first author, Jason Nagata, MD, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. “Given that earlier onset of symptoms is linked with more severe and chronic outcomes, it’s important to understand what might contribute to the onset or worsening of manic symptoms in teenagers.”
Symptoms of social media and video game addiction, characterized by the inability to stop despite attempts, withdrawal, tolerance, conflict, and relapse, may have an impact. “Screen addictions and irregular sleep patterns may worsen manic symptoms in vulnerable teens,” said Nagata.
This study adds to the wealth of knowledge regarding the links between screen use and negative mental health outcomes in adolescents. It utilizes data from the nationwide Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, which stands as the largest long-term investigation of brain development in the United States.
“This study underscores the importance of cultivating healthy screen use habits early,” says co-author Kyle Ganson, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. “Future research can help us better understand the behaviors and brain mechanisms linking screen use with manic symptoms to help inform prevention and intervention efforts.”
The study collected data from 9,243 early adolescents aged 10-11 years. Study participants provided information about their typical screen habits, as well as whether they had experienced manic or hypomanic symptoms.
“Although screen time can have important benefits such as education and increased socialization, parents should be aware of the potential risks, especially to mental health,” said Nagata. “Families can develop a media plan which could include screen-free times before bedtime.”
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iPad is a Wi-Fi 64 GB version (another one behind is a 16 GB version). via Wikimedia Commons by Yataka Tsutano with usage type - Creative Commons LicenseFeatured Image Credit
iPad is a Wi-Fi 64 GB version (another one behind is a 16 GB version). via Wikimedia Commons by Yataka Tsutano with usage type - Creative Commons License
