Association Between Internet Gaming Disorder And Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Narrative Review

Background: The rapid increase in the popularity of internet use and video games is associated with multiple consequences and comorbidities; therefore, investigating this issue is important, especially now that the number of people playing video games has reached approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide.Method: This paper reviews the existing literature on Google Scholar and PubMed to examine the association between internet gaming disorder (IGD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between 2013 and 2020.Result: The reviewed studies reveal a statistically significant association between ADHD and IGD. The reviewed studies demonstrate that ADHD is a predictive factor for the development and persistence of IGD and affects the severity of IGD symptoms.Conclusion: Especially among those with ADHD, IGD causes life distress and social life impairment. This review indicates a statistically significant association between ADHD and IGD; however, longitudinal studies are needed to assist the direction of this association and make relevant and appropriate recommendations to prevent its consequences and comorbidities