TDNet Discover

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a rapidly growing epidemic among the pediatric community. Signs of ADHD can include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. While the causes of ADHD are known to be multifactorial, it is still unclear exactly what environmental factors are involved. One proposed risk factor is screen time use outside the recommended guidelines. Current literature recommends between 1-3 hours per day of screen time for children and adolescents. Purpose: The purpose of this research was to determine whether there is an association between increased screen time use and the development of ADHD symptomatology in children or adolescents.Methods: For this evidence-based clinical review, PubMed, NIH, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and South College Library databases were utilized by all researchers to discover cohort studies, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses published between January 2013 and January 2023. Once an article was found to meet all inclusion and exclusion criteria, another researcher reviewed the same article to approve it. Further, each study was assessed by all researchers for quality to ensure it was of “good” quality. Included studies measured screen time and ADHD symptoms. Extracted variables included child age, daily screen time, and ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Results: Of the 3 articles assessed, each one found significant associations between screen time over 1 hour per day or 3 hours per weekend day and symptoms of ADHD, with p-values ranging from <0.001 to 0.05. β coefficients of 1.70 (95% CI, 0.70-2.71) and 1.22 (95% CI, 0.01-2.43) showed groups with increased screen time had more hyperactivity and inattention symptoms than those in the continued low screen time group.iv Conclusion: This EBCR found that increased screen time exposure above the recommended 1-3 hours/day in childhood and adolescence has a significant correlation with the development of ADHD symptoms, specifically hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. One should consider including these findings in discussions with patients and parents to educate them about the possible contribution of screen time to inattention and hyperactive behavior.