Problematic Internet Use and sensation seeking in adults with ADHD symptoms

Background and aims: Sensation seeking (SS) is a motivational disposition that can drive the person to seek several experiences and stimulation, and avoid rest through activities such as playing computer or video games. It was assumed that SS could play a significant role in Problematic Internet Use (PIU), but this relation is controversial. More recently SS, together with hyperactivity and inattention in ADHD disorder, was supposed as self-regulatory attempt to create a stimulating environment in order to stabilize vigilance and avoid monotonous situations. Since the literature shows a significant incidence of Internet Addiction in ADHD, the aim of the study was to explore how these two risk factors, SS and ADHD symptoms, influence the occurrence of PIU in a community sample of adults. Method: A total of 147 voluntary participants (46% males, age range 18-60 years old) completed the Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) for identifying normal or problematic users, the Need for Stimulation test for measuring SS, and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist. Results: The findings revealed that adults with high-ADHD symptoms resulted problematic users in higher percentage, reported significantly higher scores in SS and IAT questionnaires, with interference in many aspects of their life. In a regression procedure ADHD symptoms and SS explained 32.8% of variance as predictors of PIU. Discussion and Conclusion: These preliminary findings support the role of ADHD and SS as risk factors in PIU, but they also suggest further studies for comprehending the interactions between ADHD clinical characteristics and Internet overuse