Screen time linked to emergence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, according to recent research findings
A new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health has revealed a strong link between excessive screen time, particularly video games and videos, and the onset of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in adolescents, particularly those aged 9-10.
The study, led by researcher Nagata, aims to understand the impact of digital technology use on adolescent health. It found that each additional hour spent playing video games increases the risk of developing OCD by 15%, while watching videos increases the risk by 11%.
However, it's important to note that excessive screen time does not directly cause OCD. Rather, addictive or compulsive use of screens, social media, mobile phones, and video games—characterized by compulsive behavior, distress when unable to use screens, and use to escape problems—is strongly associated with increased mental health risks, including anxiety and suicidal behaviors in young people.
Researchers distinguish between total screen time and addictive or compulsive screen use. While total screen time alone does not show a direct association with mental health disorders or suicide-related behaviors, addictive screen use shares characteristics with behavioral addictions, such as compulsivity and distress, which resemble patterns seen in OCD and other impulse-control disorders.
Compulsive screen use is also linked with heightened risk for anxiety and other internalizing psychiatric symptoms, which often co-occur with OCD. Although no direct causal link between screen time and OCD has been established, the pattern of compulsive or addictive screen behaviors may reflect or exacerbate obsessive-compulsive tendencies in vulnerable youth.
The study will follow up with participants annually for the next 10 years, assessing for any relevant mental health issues. The authors propose limiting access to videos or video gaming can help mitigate the risks of developing OCD.
Approximately half a million adolescents in the United States suffer from OCD, a common mental health condition characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. According to Mayo Clinic, setting realistic goals, engaging with kids, putting away hand-held devices during screen-free hours, creating phone-free zones, and going outside to play are effective ways to reduce screen time.
This research underscores the importance of monitoring not just how much time children and adolescents spend on screens, but how they use them, to identify and intervene early in at-risk youth.
- The study, led by Nagata, also investigates the influence of digital technology on adolescent mental health beyond OCD, exploring links between screen time, fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and nutrition.
- In an attempt to combat the potential risks, the study suggests incorporating healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and mental health awareness into daily routines, as part of a comprehensive approach to adolescent health and well-being.
- Technology, while offering numerous benefits, can pose significant challenges to adolescent mental health. As such, understanding and addressing the impact of digital technology on areas like fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, nutrition, and mental-health is critical for fostering a holistic approach to promoting healthy development in young people.
