Correlations of Internet Addiction Severity With Reinforcement Sensitivity and Frustration Intolerance in Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: The Moderating Effect of Medications.

Wei-Hsin Lu,Ray C Hsiao,Cheng-Fang Yen,Huei-Fan Hu,Wen-Jiun Chou

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00268

Abstract

Background: Deviations in reinforcement sensitivity and frustration-related reactions have been proposed as components of the biopsychosocial mechanisms, which explained the high vulnerability to internet addiction (IA) among individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is currently limited knowledge on the relationship of IA symptoms with reinforcement sensitivity and frustration intolerance, as well as factors moderating those correlations in this population. Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to examine the associations of IA symptoms severity with reinforcement sensitivity and frustration intolerance and (2) identify the moderators of these associations among adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 300 adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years who had been diagnosed with ADHD participated in this study. Their levels of IA severity, reinforcement sensitivity, and frustration intolerance were assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale, behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral approach system (BAS), and Frustration Discomfort Scale, respectively. The associations of IA severity with reinforcement sensitivity and frustration intolerance were examined using multiple regression analysis. Possible moderators, including medications for ADHD, were tested using the standard criteria. Results: Higher fun seeking on the BAS (p = .003) and higher frustration intolerance (p = .003) were associated with more severe IA symptoms. Receiving medication for treating ADHD moderated the association between fun seeking on the BAS and severity of IA symptoms. Conclusion: Fun seeking on the BAS and frustration intolerance should be considered as targets in prevention and intervention programs for IA among adolescents with ADHD.

Highlights

The negative effects of internet addiction (IA) have become a concern in the past decades
The results indicated that adolescents with low paternal and maternal occupational socioeconomic status (SES) exhibited more severe IA symptoms than did those with high paternal and maternal occupational SES
The results indicated that low maternal occupational SES, higher fun seeking on the BAS, and higher frustration intolerance belief on the Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS) were associated with more severe IA symptoms, whereas receiving medication for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was associated with less severe IA

Summary

Introduction

The negative effects of internet addiction (IA) have become a concern in the past decades. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common comorbidity among adolescents referred for treatment of IA [3]. Ko et al [6] discovered that during a 2-year follow-up period, adolescents with significant ADHD symptoms were more likely to develop IA than were those without. A 3-year follow-up study reported that children and adolescents with more severe attention problems spent more time playing video games during follow-up [7], a 2-year prospective study discovered that heavy digital media users without ADHD symptoms at baseline had a higher risk of developing ADHD symptoms during the follow-up period [8]. Deviations in reinforcement sensitivity and frustration-related reactions have been proposed as components of the biopsychosocial mechanisms, which explained the high vulnerability to internet addiction (IA) among individuals with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is currently limited knowledge on the relationship of IA symptoms with reinforcement sensitivity and frustration intolerance, as well as factors moderating those correlations in this population

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion