The Prevalence of Video Game Addiction and Its Relation to Anxiety, Depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children and Adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and objectiveVideo games have become a popular source of entertainment among children and adolescents, not only targeting the young generation but also increasingly popular among older demographics as well. This study aimed to assess the association between video game addiction and depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methodsThis was a cross-sectional study involving Saudi adolescents aged 12-16 years. A self-administered online survey was distributed on social media (Twitter, WhatsApp, and Snapchat). The survey addressed sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, area of residence city, etc.). Arabic versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (PHQ-GAD7), the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS), and the seven-item Game Addiction Scale (GAS-7) questionnaires were distributed as well, including Arabic terms for depression, anxiety, and ADHD. ResultsA total of 393 surveys were completed (males: 58.3% vs. females: 41.7%). Of note, 63.1% of the respondents reported playing video games every day with an average of more than five hours of gaming time per day (25.2%). The prevalence of video game addiction was 62.1%. Independent risk factors of video game addiction included being young in age, playing video games every day, playing more than three hours per day, and playing multiplayer games. Furthermore, our findings suggest that a higher video game addiction score is correlated with higher scores in inattention, anxiety, and depression. ConclusionThis study found a high prevalence of video game addiction among Saudi children and adolescents. Excessive video game playing negatively influences mental health and leads to issues including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Also, younger males with an increased rate of regular playtime were more likely to exhibit video game addiction in comparison to the rest of the population. Further research is required to more comprehensively assess the prevalence rate of video game addiction and its effect on the mental health of the younger generation within the region.

Effects of memory and attention on the association between video game addiction and cognitive/learning skills in children: mediational analysis

“…An earlier study suggests that the link between inattention and video game addiction could be described by game genres’ immediate response and reward system. Alrahili, Alreefi [ 2 ] suggest that this may alleviate the boredom typically reported by inattentive users while simultaneously introducing a lack of responsiveness to real-world rewards. Another study on Turkish schoolchildren aged 10 to 16 years old revealed that the total recall scores of the subject group (children who regularly play video games) are significantly lower than those of the control group (children who do not regularly play video games; [ 7 ]).…”

“…Despite the positive impacts of video games on socialization and enjoyment, empirical and clinical research has consistently demonstrated that many children can become addicted due to excessive use. Among Arab children and adolescents, the prevalence of video game addiction is 62% of 393 adolescents in Saudi Arabia, 5% in Jordan, 6% in Syria, and 7.8% in Kuwait [ 1 , 2 ]. The varying incidence rates can be attributable to variations in the research population, cultural determinants, and evaluation or diagnostic standards.…”

The Cognition-Impairing Effect of Video Games in Adolescents

“…Attentional control and cognitive flexibility are critical cognitive factors that significantly influence the level of focus and attention exhibited by adolescent gamers. Attention-challenged adolescents may discover it difficult to concentrate on duties while playing video games, resulting in difficulties with attention and concentration (19). Likewise, those who lack cognitive flexibility may encounter difficulties transitioning between tasks or modifying their attention when necessary.…”

Video Game Addiction Among Adolescents

“…Academic performance decline is a common consequence as prolonged engagement in gaming may result in reduced study time and poor concentration on school tasks (Alrahili et al, 2023).…”