136. A trying time: Problematic Internet Use (PIU) and its Association With Depression and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is defined as uncontrollable internet use associated with psychosocial or functional impairment that is not due to a primary psychiatric diagnosis. PIU has been measured using different screening tools such as the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ) for Internet Addiction or the Internet Addiction Tool (IAT) and the pre-pandemic prevalence has been variable at 0-26.3%. The prevalence using the Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS) is estimated at 9-11.1% in American college-aged students.