Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is estimated to affect around 5% of children and adolescents worldwide. ADHD symptoms often persist into adulthood and can lead to difficulties in work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
In recent decades, the use of electronics including TV, video games, smartphones and tablets has risen dramatically, especially among young people. This has led many parents to wonder: do electronics make ADHD symptoms worse?
The link between screen time and ADHD
Several studies have found associations between increased screen time and worse ADHD symptoms:
- A 2019 study found that adolescents who spent more than 5 hours per day on screens had more severe ADHD symptoms than those with less screen time.
- Another study found that children aged 8-11 with more screen time had increased inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and oppositional behaviors.
- Higher social media use is also linked to worse ADHD symptoms and lower self-esteem in college students with ADHD.
However, these studies cannot prove that screen time causes or worsens ADHD. The relationship may go both ways – kids with ADHD may be more drawn to screens, while excessive screen time may also exacerbate their symptoms.
How electronics may impact ADHD
There are several ways that increased electronics use could potentially make ADHD symptoms worse:
- Overstimulation – The fast-paced content and constant visual and auditory stimulation from screens may overstimulate the ADHD brain.
- Difficulty self-regulating – ADHD is linked to impaired self-regulation. Excessive screen time may worsen self-regulation difficulties.
- Disrupted sleep – Screen time before bed can impair sleep quality and duration, which is already a challenge for many with ADHD.
- Reduced focus – Switching between apps and screens can fragment attention and reduce the ability to focus.
- Dopamine-seeking – The constant novelty and stimulation from screens may lead to dopamine-seeking behaviors.
Tips to manage electronics and ADHD
For those concerned about worsening ADHD from electronics, here are some tips that may help:
- Set limits around screen time – use parental controls, apps that limit use, no-screen times.
- Avoid screens for 1-2 hours before bedtime.
- Turn off notifications from apps and social media to reduce distractions.
- Use apps like Forest that encourage focusing for set time periods.
- Engage in activities away from screens – hobbies, sports, socializing.
- Set up screen-free zones at home like the dinner table.
The role of exercise and sleep
Along with limiting electronics use, there are other lifestyle factors that can help manage ADHD symptoms:
Exercise
Regular exercise is strongly linked to reduced ADHD severity for both kids and adults. Experts recommend at least an hour a day of heart-pumping exercise.
Sleep
Getting enough high-quality sleep is essential for attention, focus and impulsivity in ADHD. Kids with ADHD often benefit from earlier bedtimes and consistent sleep schedules.
Conclusion
Research shows associations between increased screen time from electronics like TV, video games, and smartphones and worse ADHD symptoms. While screens don’t directly cause ADHD, reducing screen time, improving sleep habits and increasing exercise may all help manage ADHD.
Along with professional treatment, optimizing lifestyle factors can be an important part of coping with ADHD.