Examining the relationship between problematic internet use in adolescents and possible symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between problematic internet use in adolescents and possible symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A total of 300 individuals between the ages of 14-17 participated in the study. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participating individuals were first questioned and then ADHD Rating Scale-5, Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered. According to Beck Depression Inventory, the majority of the participants were found to have mild to moderate depression (38.2%-52.2%). It was observed that gender differences in adolescents did not cause differences between their compulsive internet use, possible ADHD symptoms and depression levels (p>0.05). In addition, there was a statistically significant and positive correlation between Compulsive Internet Use Scale scores and depression levels (r= 0.141; p<0.05). No statistically significant relationship was observed between possible ADHD symptoms and Compulsive Internet Use Scale (p>0.05), but it was concluded that there was a statistically significant positive relationship between depression levels and possible ADHD symptoms. It was also found that there was a statistically significant and negative relationship between the level of depression and the daily exercise time of the individuals (r= -0.259; p<0.05). The results show that possible ADHD symptoms and compulsive internet use can be prevented by reducing the level of depression in adolescents. It was concluded that this can be achieved by directing adolescents to exercise and gaining exercise habits to reduce depression levels