Non-substance Addictions Research Articles

The bioSocial Cognitive Theory of Eating (bSCT-e): Applying and Elaborating on a Biopsychosocial Substance Use Theory for Food Addiction

Obesity rates are increasing globally, and food addiction (FA1) may be an important contributing factor but there is a lack of understanding of the key psychological mechanisms that contribute to FA. The bioSocial Cognitive Theory (bSCT) proposes that substance use is predicted by biologically based personality traits and their influence on social cognitive mechanisms. While validated in substance use, bSCT has not been applied to a behavioural or non-substance addiction. However, the bSCT does not include a negative affective personality component, of which there is clear theoretical and empirical support as risk factors for FA. Thus, this study sought to test both the original bSCT model and an elaborated version related to eating (bSCT-e) that included direct and indirect punishment sensitivity pathways to identify the individual risk factors of FA.Data were collected from 204 university students (75.5% female; Mage = 24.82, SD = 9.17) via an online survey. Both original bSCT and bSCT-e models provided a good fit to the data, with the latter providing slightly better fit and accounting for more variance in FA. The findings suggest that individuals who are more reward driven and punishment sensitive hold exaggerated beliefs about the reinforcing and emotion regulation effects of eating, which may undermine eating control and increase risk of FA. This study provides potential new insights into the complex biopsychosocial mechanisms of FA, and points to potential intervention targets.

Weight excess among high-school students: Relation with mental health and sociodemographic factors.

The escalating prevalence of adolescent obesity represents a complex public health challenge, influenced by interactions of environmental, socio-economic, and behavioral factors. Recent studies reveal a surge in addictive substance use among adolescents, with non-substance addictions. Overweight adolescents are particularly susceptible to risky behaviors. Tunisia is not exempt from this issue, facing a rapidly increasing prevalence. Our work aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity among adolescents and to explore the connections between sociodemographic factors, mental health, and overweight in this demographic group. A cross-sectional study was led among sample of Tunisian high school adolescents from Sousse. We enrolled study participants through proportional stratified sampling. Our study included 1399students, predominantly female, with an average age of 17±1.5 years. The average BMI (Body Mass Index) was 22.7±4.1 kg/m². According to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), 20.4% were overweight, and 7% were obese, resulting in an overall weight excess prevalence of 27.4%. Girls exhibited a higher weight excess prevalence compared to boys. Multivariate analysis identified factors associated with overweight and obesity, including maternal self-employment(aOR=2.13,[1.35-3.35];p<0.001), regular physical activity (aOR=0.61,[0.47-0.8];p<0.001), internet usage ≥2 hours (aOR=0.70,[0.50-0.99];p=0.045), daily fruit-vegetable consumption (aOR=1.51,[1.15-1.97]; p=0.003), possible alexithymia (aOR=1.55,[1.07-2.22];p=0.018), probable anxiety (aOR=1.28,[0.87-1.89]; p=0.007), very probable anxiety (aOR=1.61,[1.14-2.2]; p=0.037), and problematic Facebook-use (aOR=0.67,[0.50-0.89]; p=0.006). Understanding factors tied to excess weight in our social and cultural context is crucial in shaping effective public health strategies. Interventions should adopt a multisectoral approach specifically targeting working mothers within the adolescent's socio-familial environment. It is fundamental also to address mental health concerns, with a particular focus on alexithymia and anxiety.

A systematic review of treatment for impulsivity and compulsivity.

The aim of this study was to comprehensively review existing treatments for impulsivity and compulsivity in non-substance addictions, driven by the importance of these factors in addictive disorder development and treatment efficacy. A systematic review carried out following PRISMA guidelines identified 14 articles from a total of 764 studies, highlighting the limited literature that is available on psychological treatments for non-substance addictions, in particular studies focusing on impulsivity and compulsivity. The studies were categorized by behavioral addiction type. For compulsive sexual behavior and problematic pornography use, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown significant improvements in compulsivity. In gambling disorder, interventions like cognitive bias modification and motivational interviewing combined with CBT have been effective in reducing impulsivity. Cognitive-behavioral therapy was advocated for compulsive shopping, although results varied. For problematic internet use, dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy have been effective in addressing impulsivity. Despite literature supporting CBT for most behavioral addictions, the review noted that some articles indicate that dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy were also effective for problematic internet use, suggesting different underlying mechanisms for this type of addiction. It also highlighted limitations, including the small number of studies and the lack of standardized assessment measures. Further research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms and develop tailored treatments for impulsivity and compulsivity in non-substance addictions. These findings offer new directions for research and intervention guidelines in behavioral addictions.

Issues of risky behaviours in university students.

Risk behaviour is typical of adolescence and young adulthood, but the consequences can persist for the rest of life - in all domains - physical, psychological, and social. Challenging situations, stress, as well as feelings of a lack of stimulation in an individual's life are considered to be triggers for risky behaviours. Prevention therefore plays a crucial role. The aim of the study was to analyse the current situation in addictive and risky sexual behaviours in a group of university students. Between 2019 and 2022, students of universities in East Bohemia - University of Hradec Králové (UHK), Charles University (UK), University of Defence (UNOB), and University of Pardubice (UPCE) - were approached and asked to complete a questionnaire survey focused on addictive and risky sexual behaviours. Based on the search strategy, research hypotheses were constructed, which were subsequently developed into interview questions. The research hypotheses were tested using Pearson's test. The questionnaire return rate was 84%. After eliminating invalid responses, 157 participants were included in the survey - 64% female, 36% male, age range 19-32 years. In the area of addictive behaviours, the focus was on substance and non-substance addictions. In terms of addictive substances, a question addressed cigarette smoking, which was reported by 14.6% of the survey participants. This is 50% less than what we see in the general population of the same age (by general population we mean the group of people approached for the surveys conducted, chosen by stratified random sampling based on age). In contrast, significantly higher rates of university students reported the use of illicit substances - marijuana, sedatives/tranquilizers without a doctor's prescription, cocaine, or hallucinogens compared to the age-matched general population. In the area of risky sexual behaviours, a question was included about sexual intercourse with casual acquaintances. It was experienced by one in four respondents. In 83.3%, this behaviour was influenced by the use of an addictive substance. The survey pointed to the high rates of salutoprotective factors (e.g. interest in sports was reported by 87.9% of respondents). Perceived social support from friends (reported by 74.5% of respondents) or family (reported by 72.6% of respondents) is a preventive factor for risky behaviours. The aim of the survey was to determine the prevalence of high-risk addictive and sexual behaviours among university students and possible prevention measures. Salutoprotective factors during increased stress or awareness of social support seem to be of benefit. We assumed a protective effect of higher education, but this survey did not show it. On the contrary, the stress induced by university studies and the pressure on academic performance appeared to be a risk factor. The results of the survey provide insights into new approaches to the prevention to improve its effectiveness and point to major problems to be addressed in Czech university students.

Addiction-like alterations of brain activity in recreational video gamers detected via the cue-reactivity fMRI experiment

The non-substance addictions are starting to be classified as diseases or disorders, but their diagnostics strongly rely on questionnaires, making it unclear if there any underlying changes prior to reaching the addiction detection threshold. We aim to detect if the volunteers with extensive consumption of video games, yet below the IGD-20 test addiction threshold, i.e., the recreational gamers, exhibit any changes in the brain function similar to the ones in substance- and non-substance addictions. We have selected 47 participants classified as test and control groups based on their weekly average gaming time. We perform functional magnetic resonance imaging with individualized cue-reactivity paradigm and compare the results of the general linear model and psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analyses between the groups. The measurements demonstrate activation difference in several areas, and changes in PPI between a number of seed/voxel cluster pairs. We have classified the detected changes according to the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model and found that the affective and executive functions are likely to be affected by recreational gaming, while the cognitive functions are not. The results suggest that these changes along with the reinforcement feedback loop suggested by the model can put the recreational gamers in the addiction development risk group.

Assessment of the Prevalence, Risk factors of Internet Gaming Disorder and Psychological correlates in general population of North India

Background: In 2013 American psychiatric association decided to incorporate internet gaming disorder as non-substance addiction. This study aimed to find the prevalence and risk factors. Methodology: It was a cross-section observational study conducted on a general population. The sample size was time limited. A valid standard questionnaire (PHQ-9, IGDS, GAD-7 Scales) was used to collect data. Result: There was 82 male and 43 female involved in this study. The prevalence of internet gaming disorder was 16.8%. Out of 125 subjects, a total of 21 had internet gaming disorder. There was a significant association between internet gaming disorder and age, gender, economics, profession, living alone, spending more than 3 hours on games, and non-functional family. Anxiety and depression were significantly associated with internet gaming disorder at a value of 0.015.

The neurocognitive correlates of non-substance addictive behaviors

Neurocognitive deficits have been implicated as transdiagnostic risk markers of substance use disorders. However, these have yet to be comprehensively evaluated in other, non-substance addictions. In a large, general community sample (N = 475) the present study evaluated the neurocognitive correlates of problem alcohol use and three non-substance-related addictive behaviors: addictive eating (AE), problematic pornography use (PPU), and problematic use of the internet (PUI), to identify potential shared and distinct neurocognitive correlates. A sample of Australian residents (54.4 % female M[SD] age = 32.4[11.9] years) completed a comprehensive online assessment of neurocognitive tasks tapping into eight distinct expert-endorsed domains purportedly associated with addiction. Multiple linear regressions with bootstrapping were used to examine associations among each addictive behavior of interest and neurocognition, trait impulsivity, and compulsivity, as well as key covariates. Neurocognition was differentially associated with each addictive behavior. None of the neurocognitive domains were significantly associated with problematic alcohol use or AE (p >.05), poorer performance monitoring was significantly associated with higher levels of PPU and PUI (β = −0.10, p =.049; β = −0.09, p =.028), and a preference for delayed gratification was associated with more severe PUI (β = −0.10, p =.025). Our findings have theoretical implications for how we understand non-substance addiction and suggest the need for a more nuanced approach to studying addictive behaviors that take into account the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms associated with each type of addiction.

Adicciones sin sustancia o adicciones comportamentales

Behavioral addictions or non-substance addictions can be defined as clinical diseases in which there are a series of impulsive, repetitive behaviors that are characterized, just as in substance use disorder, by loss of control over the behavior; a strong, compulsive desire to engage in it; emotional distress or anguish; and persistence in the behavior despite serious consequences. This update will review the most accepted behavioral addictions in clinical practice and research: compulsive gambling, video game addiction, shopping addiction, sex addiction, and social media addiction.

Exploring the association of addiction-related genetic factors with non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is self-injurious behavior without suicidal intent commonly seen in the adolescent population and poses a serious threat to the life safety of adolescents. Related researches suggest a possible correlation between addiction and the occurrence of NSSI. This study aimed to explore the correlation between addiction and NSSI from a molecular biological perspective by analyzing the differential expression of addiction-related genes in NSSI patients. (1) The association between addiction and non-suicidal self-injury in a Chinese adolescent population was verified with the help of questionnaires on substance and non-substance addictions and non-suicidal self-injury among 1,329 adolescents in China, (2) Screening for key genes associated with addiction by bioinformatics analysis, and (3) RT-qPCR experiment was performed to validate key genes and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were plotted for target genes. (1) Substance and non-substance addictions were all significantly correlated with non-suicidal self-injury, (2) Four target genes: SERPINA3, SLC14A1, RPS6 and RPS3A were screened by bioinformatics technique, and (3) Relative quantitative analysis by RT-qPCR revealed that the expression levels of SLC14A1 (p < 0.01), RPS6 (p < 0.05) and RPS3A (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in NSSI patients than in healthy controls. (1) The significant association between addiction and NSSI exists in the Chinese adolescent population and (2) Addiction-related genes SLC14A1, RPS6, and RPS3A are differentially expressed in adolescents with NSSI. The genes have the potential to become biological markers for the diagnosis of NSSI.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the general population and health care workers.

The Health Sciences Foundation has assembled a multidisciplinary group around a series of questions about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the general population and specific groups within that population, particularly healthcare workers. In the general population, the most prevalent mental disorders have been anxiety, sleep disorders and affective disorders, primarily depression. There has been a considerable increase in suicidal behavior, especially in young women and men over 70 years of age. There has been an increase in alcohol abuse and nicotine, cannabis and cocaine use. In contrast, the use of synthetic stimulants during periods of confinement has decreased. With regard to non-substance addictions, gambling was very limited, pornography consumption increased significantly and there was an increase in compulsive shopping and the use of video games. Particularly vulnerable groups include adolescents and patients with autism spectrum disorders. Healthcare workers suffered an increase in depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, especially those who were exposed during the early stages of the pandemic. Female sex, being a nurse, proximity to patients with COVID-19, working in a rural environment and having previous psychiatric or organic illnesses were some of the most frequently repeated factors in various studies in this population group. The media have shown a good degree of knowledge about these problems and have dealt with them frequently and from the point of view of ethics, crisis situations, such as the one experienced, have triggered not only physical but also moral claudications.

A Review on the Evaluation of Video Game Addiction as a Legitimate Disorder

Through fundamentally understanding addiction and reviewing the arguments that support and contradict video game addiction as a disorder, this paper seeks to answer the question of whether video game addiction is a legitimate disorder or a premature diagnosis of the growing popularity of a new form of entertainment. It was found that issues associated with video game addiction such as the inability to manage time properly or prioritise the games over real-life responsibilities are not equivalent to real mental disorders. The research also raises the question of whether these addictions are facets of other preexisting disorders or a new branch of non-substance addiction.

Gambling disorder symptoms among Slovenian gamblers

Abstract Background We are facing a growing popularity of gambling, partly due to the rapid rise of internet related technologies. This growth has been linked to a considerable increase in problem gambling and gambling disorder, which has been an established non-substance addiction. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence rate of gambling disorder among the Slovenian population. Methods National Survey on the Use of Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs was conducted in 2018 on a nationally representative sample (n = 16,000; age: 15-64 years), using mixed-mode data collection (CAWI and CAPI). Responses were obtained from 9,161 respondents, of those 18.4% (n = 1,686) reported to have gambled in the last 12 months (i.e. gamblers). Gambling disorder symptoms were assessed using Berlin Inventory of Gambling Behavior - Screening, consisting of 14 items with a yes/no response option, which measure 9 gambling disorder criteria (DSM-V). Participants who reported at least 5 out of 9 gambling disorder criteria were classified as disordered. Results Data shows that 4.3% of Slovenian gamblers met the criteria for gambling disorder. Significantly higher shares were observed among men (5.9%; compared to 1.2% of women) and among younger generations (highest shares among 15-19 year olds (19.4%) and 20-24 year olds (14.5%)). The same goes for money spent for gambling. Namely, males (4.4% of men; compared to 0.6% of women) and younger generations (highest shares among 20-24 year olds (9.2%) and 30-34 year-olds (6.9%)) were more likely to spend more than 100 EUR in a day for gambling. Conclusions Data obtained in the present study indicates the extent of gambling disorder symptomatology and highlights key demographic groups with risk for gambling disorder. These findings are consistent with previous comparable studies and provide a basis for tailored public health measures in Slovenia with an emphasis on early intervention. Key messages • 4.3% of Slovenian residents, who engaged in gambling in the last 12 months met the criteria for gambling disorder. • Males and younger generations were more likely to report gambling disorder symptoms and spent more money on gambling. The data shows the need for tailored public health measures.

Comparison of Online Sexual Activity Among Iranian Individuals With and Without Substance Use Disorder: A Case-Control Study.

The most important practical concerns in addiction medicine are the non-substance addiction and related addictive behaviors among individuals with substance use disorder. On the other hand, technological advances, and easy access have increased the frequency of online sexual activities (OSAs) as one of these behaviors. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of OSAs, based on the Internet Sex Screening Test (ISST) scores, among 60 patients with substance use disorder referred to Iran Psychiatric Hospital and 60 non-dependent individuals. The results showed significant negative correlations between the ISST scores and age, age at the onset of substance use, and substance use duration. There was a significant difference between the ISST scores of the case and control groups (P = 0.001). Patients who start using substances at an early age and have a great duration of substance use are more likely to engage in other addictive behaviors such as OSAs. Therefore, it is critical to consider OSAs and other addictive behaviors in patients with substance use disorder to provide better care for this vulnerable community.

Moroccans’ Perception of Addiction: A Cross-Sectional Study on Stigma and Familiarity Dynamics

AimsThis study aims to assess the stigmatization of Moroccans towards substance and nonsubstance addictions, as well as to explore its relationship with both demographic factors and addiction familiarity.Methods527 Moroccans anonymously participated in a cross-sectional study via an online survey that was distributed on social media. Participants were randomly assigned 2 vignettes describing either substance (Alcohol and Cannabis) or non-substance (Gambling and Social Media) addictions, followed by the Social Distance Scale and the Familiarity Scale.ResultsA total of 527 individuals answered our online questionnaire. The median age of respondents was 27.6 years (std = 15.66). 56% were females and 44% were males. Among the participants 45% were married and 50% were medical students or health professionals.Using ANOVA and a series of student t-tests, that yielded a p &lt; 0.05, the following results were obtained:A moderate level of stigma was found towards all addictions, except for social media where no stigma was found (p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, the familiarity level was high with social media addiction and low with the other addictions (p &lt; 0.05).The women in our study showed higher stigmatization of all addictions, whereas older people (&gt;43 years) showed higher stigmatization of substance addictions only.Different levels of stigmatization were observed towards the 4 types of addiction; the highest being cannabis addiction and the lowest being social media addiction.Regarding familiarity with addiction, males were more familiar with all types of addiction. Whereas, younger individuals (&lt;23 years) were the least familiar with substance addiction.Moroccans’ familiarity levels with different types of addiction were significantly different. Familiarity with social media addiction was the highest whereas familiarity with gambling addiction was the lowest.Using the Pearson correlation, we found that stigma and familiarity concerning substance addiction were negatively correlated (r=−0,30, p &lt; 0.01). A stronger, yet moderate relationship was found between stigma and familiarity regarding cannabis (r=−0,36, p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionIt seems that Moroccans stigmatize against most addictions, which was found to be influenced by multiple factors including familiarity level, age, and sex. These findings can be used as a base to create a targeted educational campaign to tackle addiction in our society. No significant conclusions were made concerning whether or not the academic level or the health professional background influenced stigmatization, which raises concerns about the Moroccan academic and medical curricula's representation of addiction.

Pohybová aktivita u žiakov vybraných základných škôl v rámci Národného akčného plánu pre podporu pohybovej aktivity na roky 2017 - 2020

Summary: Physical activity is especially important during childhood and adolescence. As part of the support of health and physical activity in Slovakia, data on the physical activity of pupils of selected primary schools were collected within the framework of the National Action Plan for the Support of Physical Activity for the years 2017 - 2020. Material and methods: Data collection took place in the whole territory of Slovakia in the months of March - June 2019 using the questionnaire method through the professionals of the departments of health support and health education in regional public health institutes in the Slovak Republic. A structured questionnaire focused on basic lifestyle analysis (questions on well-being, health, physical activity, nutrition and drinking regime, substance and non-substance addictions) was used as a research method. Excel was used to insert and process the answers obtained by the respondents from the questionnaires. Results: The highest share of respondents rated their physical condition as average (51.2%). 23.4% of respondents stated above-average condition. The majority of respondents reported performing various physical activities daily or almost daily (35.9%) and 3-5 times a week (31.6%). The average duration of their physical activities from 1 hour to 2 hours was stated by 40.1% of respondents. The highest share of respondents (35.5%) stated shortness of breath and weak sweating as the intensity of their physical activities. 44.1% of respondents were registered athletes, 47.4% stated recreational sports in their free time and 8.5% of respondents did not play sports. Conclusion: Most pupils in the 8th grade of the monitored primary schools engaged in some form of physical activity. They engage in physical activity as registered athletes or as part of their leisure activities. Promoting physical activity among children and adolescents thus continues to play an important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Understanding that Addiction Is a Brain Disorder Offers Help and Hope

We refute the controversial statement that addiction is not a brain disorder. Extensive peer-reviewed studies support the underlying neurobiological and neurogenetic basis of addiction’s “disease model.” In the 70s and 80s, a few clinical scientists suggested that it is possible to use behavioral training to teach controlled drinking. However, this controversial model failed drastically and increased labeling and stigmatization. Additionally, it was unhelpful in the search for treatment. Instead, we assert that addiction is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by a recurring desire to continue taking substances despite harmful physical and mental consequences. Work from our laboratory in 1995 supported the Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) concept based on a common neurogenetic mechanism (hypodopaminergia) that underlies all substance and non-substance addictions. Non-substance addictions include behaviors like pathological gambling, internet addiction, and mobile phone addiction. Certain impulsive and compulsive behaviors or the acute intake of psychoactive substances result in heightened dopaminergic activity, while the opposite, hypodopaminergia, occurs following chronic abuse. Patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) can have a genetic predisposition compounded by stress or other epigenetic insults that can impact recovery. Relapse will occur post-short-term recovery if dopaminergic dysfunction remains untreated. Addiction, a brain disorder, requires treatment with DNA-directed pro-dopamine regulation and rehabilitation.

Monetary Reward Discounting, Inhibitory Control, and Trait Impulsivity in Young Adults With Internet Gaming Disorder and Nicotine Dependence.

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been considered a potential behavioral or non-substance addiction that requires further investigation. Recognition of the commonalities between IGD and Substance Use disorders (SUD) would be of great help to better understand the basic mechanisms of addictive behaviors and excessive Internet gaming. However, little research has targeted a straightforward contrast between IGD and SUD on neuropsychological aspects. The present study thus aimed to explore the associations of reward processing and inhibitory control with IGD and nicotine dependence (ND) in young adults. Fifty-eight IGD and 53 ND individuals, as well as 57 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, were assessed with a series of measurements including the Delay-discounting Test (DDT), Probability Discounting Test (PDT), the Stroop Color-Word Task, a revised Go/No Go Task, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Multivariate analysis of variance (mANOVA) models revealed that both IGD and ND groups scored higher than healthy controls on the BIS-11 attentional, motor, and non-planning impulsiveness (Cohen's d = 0.41–1.75). Higher degrees of delay discounting on the DDT were also found in IGD and ND groups compared to healthy controls (Cohen's d = 0.53–0.69). Although IGD group did not differ from healthy controls on the PDT, ND group had a lower degree of probability discounting than healthy controls (Cohen's d = 0.55), suggesting a reduction in risk aversion. Furthermore, ND subjects showed a lower correct accuracy in the incongruent trials of the Stroop task than healthy controls (Cohen's d = 0.61). On the Go/No Go task, both IGD and ND groups had a lower correct accuracy in the No-Go trials than healthy controls (Cohen's d = 1.35–1.50), indicating compromised response inhibition. These findings suggested that IGD was linked to both anomalous reward discounting and dysfunctional inhibitory control, which was comparable with one typical SUD category (i.e., ND). This study might promote a better understanding of the pathogenesis of IGD as a potential addictive disorder similar to SUD.

Non-Substance Addiction in Childhood and Adolescence–The Internet, Computer Games and Social Media.

Around 5.8% of adolescents and 2.8% of young adults have an Internet-related disorder. These figures underline the widespread concerns in our society regarding the potential dangers and risks associated with Internet and digital media use. Selective literature search for records on Internet-related disorders in children and adolescents. Internet-related disorders are now viewed as belonging to the behavioral addiction. Research has revealed similarities to substance-related disorders. There are often associations with other mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and personality disorders, as well as disturbed sleep patterns, increased risk taking, nicotine abuse, an unbalanced diet, and lack of exercise. Female adolescents are statistically significantly more often affected than male adolescents (7.1% versus 4.5%). The German STICA study, the first randomized controlled trial worldwide, demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy was effective compared with a waiting group (odds ratio 10.10, 95% confidence interval [3.69; 27.65]). Internet-related disorders have not yet been conclusively conceptualized and operationalized. Further work is urgently required to refine the concepts of both the illness and and its treatment.

Association between Smartphone Addiction and Physical Activity, Sleeping Hours among Medical Science Students in Duhok City

Background and Aim: Smartphones become a part of today’s life. In spite of the convenience, it contributes to our daily lives and activities, one of the most important problems is smartphone addiction. As known, smartphone addiction is a type of technological addiction or non-substance addiction. The present study is to investigate the association between smartphone addiction and physical activity, sleeping hours among medical science students in Duhok City.Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study design carried out with 295 students in medical science colleges in the Duhok City of both gender. Self-reported data collected from December 15, 2019, to January 22, 2020. Structured questionnaire has been used to gather data related to sociodemographic, physical activity, sleeping hours, and smartphone addiction.Results: The study found most students, 78.3% have smartphone addiction, 78% of medical science students are at low physical activity range, and only 2% of students are at normal physical activity range, also revealed 20% of students were inactive. According to daily sleeping hours, more than half of them, 61.7% were in a healthy range of sleeping; however, no statistically significant association found between smartphone addiction with physical activity, sleeping hours while finding a highly statistically significant association between smartphone addiction with gender.Conclusion: The current study figure out smartphone addiction prevalence was very high among medical science college students. Smartphone addiction showed an effect in increasing sedentary health behavior like low physical activity and poor sleeping quality with no statistically significant association.

Interdependent Effect of Impulsivity, Sensation Seeking and Addictive Behaviour Including Excess Gaming, Facebooking and Internet Abusing

Impulsivity has been shown to be related to both substance- and non-substance addictions. In the case of internet gaming addiction, on one hand, higher impulsivity and sensation seeking have been reported in problematic online gamers. On the other hand, problematic online gamers were also identified as introverted, socially anxious, and generally inhibited in social behaviour. This review study tried to investigate and correlate the role of dysfunctional impulsivity and sensation seeking in gaming addiction. Online gamers completed a questionnaire that was advertised online and targeted the core of the gaming community. Internet gaming addiction was measured using the Addiction-Engagement Questionnaire. Dysfunctional impulsivity was measured using the 11 items of Dickman’s (1990) sub-scale of the Impulsivity Inventory. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated for variables and a regression model was constructed using hierarchical linear regression to determine the association between online gaming addiction and dysfunctional impulsivity, while controlling for age, gender, and the frequency of online gaming. A set of chi-square tests were employed to compare the patterns of addiction criteria among highly impulsive addicted gamers and non-impulsive addicted gamers. Dysfunctional impulsivity was a good predictor of gaming addiction (β = .252) which actually explained only about 7% of the addiction variance. Problematic gamers high on impulsivity had similar patterns of addiction criteria as non-impulsive gamers, with only one exception – they had a significantly higher tendency to relapse. There was no role of impulsivity in gaming engagement. The results suggested that dysfunctional impulsivity is a risk factor for online gaming addiction (similar to other addictions), but it does not have prominent explanatory value in itself. Also the results show that problematic gamers high on impulsivity are more prone to relapse and reinstatement.