Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and video games: a comparative study of hyperactive and control children.
European Psychiatry. 2008-03-01; 23(2): 134-141
DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.11.002
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1. Eur Psychiatry. 2008 Mar;23(2):134-41. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.11.002.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and video games: a comparative study of
hyperactive and control children.
Bioulac S(1), Arfi L, Bouvard MP.
Author information:
(1)Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Service universitaire de psychiatrie de
l’enfant et de l’adolescent, 121, rue de la Béchade, 33076 Bordeaux cedex,
France.
INTRODUCTION: This study describes and compares the behavior of hyperactive and
control children playing video games.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 29 ADHD children and 21 controls
aged between 6 and 16 years playing video games. We used the Child Behavior
Checklist and the Problem Videogame Playing scale (PVP scale). This instrument
gives objective measures of problem use, which can be considered as an indication
of addictive videogame playing. We designed a questionnaire for the parents,
eliciting qualitative information about their child’s videogame playing. There
were no significant differences concerning frequency or duration of play between
ADHD children and controls but differences were observed on the PVP scale. None
of the controls scored above four whereas 10 hyperactive children answered
affirmatively to five or more questions. These children presented a greater
intensity of the disorder than the other ADHD children.
CONCLUSION: While no differences concerning video game use were found, ADHD
children exhibited more problems associated with videogame playing. It seems that
a subgroup of ADHD children could be vulnerable to developing dependence upon
video games.
DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.11.002
PMID: 18206354 [Indexed for MEDLINE]