Analytical study of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and internet addiction among medical students

Introduction: Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a prevalence of 4.4% worldwide. Adults with ADHD are more prone to risk taking behaviours, behavioural addictions and substance abuse. Studies have shown that adults with ADHD are more likely to develop internet addiction (IA). Aim of the study: To determine scoring of medical students on an adult ADHD scale and internet addiction scale and to compare it. To compare the scoring in context to demographic characteristics and substance use. Material and methods: Medical students from two medical colleges from Gujarat participated in the study. Students filled in a semi-structured proforma which included sociodemographic details and details regarding internet use. Students completed self-report scales such as the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ASRS) and Young Internet Addiction Scale (IAS). Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS 20.0. Results: Out of 427 subjects, 233 (54.6%) were male and 194 (45.4%) were female. On IAS, 359 (84.15%) were found to be average online users (no addiction), 64 (15%) had frequent problems with internet use (possibly addicted) and only 4 (0.9%) students had excessive internet use (severely addicted). In screening for adult ADHD, 84 (19.7%) were found to be positive. Adult ADHD was found to be significantly associated with IA and substance use. Discussion: Deficiency in inhibitory control, reward deficiency syndrome and cognitive and motivational dysfunction have been observed in ADHD, which makes subjects with ADHD at risk of developing IA and substance use. Conclusions: Being positive on the Adult ADHD Scale was found to be significantly associated with IA and substance use.