Internet Use and its Correlation with Psychiatric Symptoms – Results of an Online Survey Based on Psychometric Risk Profiles of the German Version of the “Compulsive Internet Use Scale”

Abstract

Aims: Increased co-morbidity rates of affective and anxiety disorders as well as ADHD have been reported in the context of excessive and addictive internet use. The “Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) provides a promising conceptualization for the assessment of compulsive internet use behaviour. The aim of the present study was the investigation of psychopathological abnormalities in a student’s sample with high values on the CIUS within the scope of an online survey in a cross-sectional design. Participants: N=2,506 German students of the University of Tuebingen participated in the online survey. Based on CIUS-values students were divided into two subgroups, with high values (CIUS group, N=90, CIUS > 28), and low values (control group, N = 90). Measurements: In addition to the CIUS, depressive and manic episodes, quality of life and psychopathological abnormalities were explored. Findings: Participants with high CIUS-values showed increased depressive and manic affect profiles, lower quality of life and augmented difficulties in coping with study requirements compared to the control group. Furthermore, the high scorers reported more depressive episodes, anxiety disorders, ADHD and suicidal ideation in their lifetime. Conclusion: Compulsive internet use is related to increased psychopathological abnormalities current and lifetime.