Associations between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity and Internet Gaming Disorder

Abstract

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has gained increasing clinical attention as problematic gaming may lead to impaired control, prioritization of gaming over other activities, persistence despite negative consequences, and functional impairment. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been identified as an important risk factor for IGD because both conditions share features such as impulsivity, impaired inhibitory control, difficulty delaying gratification, executive dysfunction, and abnormalities in reward-processing pathways. The relationship may be bidirectional, as ADHD symptoms can increase vulnerability to excessive gaming, while prolonged gaming, sleep deprivation, and academic disengagement may aggravate attentional and behavioral difficulties. This association may be particularly relevant among university and medical students, who commonly experience high academic demands, stress, irregular sleep, and easy access to digital devices. The co-occurrence of ADHD and IGD may complicate diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of screening for both conditions and using integrated management approaches.