The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on internet usage profiles in individuals: the mediating role of ADHD symptoms

Aims: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by attention deficit, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This disorder may have had an impact on individuals’ internet usage profiles, particularly due to the pandemic measures. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of ADHD and to examine the factors affecting internet addiction in this disorder. Methods: This clinical study was designed as a cross-sectional and descriptive study and was conducted on 250 participants living in the city center of Sakarya and selected by random sampling method. The sociodemographic data form, Addiction Profile Index internet (APIINT) form, Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Epidemic Anxiety Assessment Scale (EAAS) were applied to the participants online via e-mail via Google forms. Results: Of the participants, 14 (5.6%) stated that they were diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and 20 (8%) in adulthood. The number of patients who reported that they were diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder in adulthood (other than ADHD) was 50 (20%). With the APIINT scale score, the APIINT total score mean values ​​were found to be significantly higher in the groups diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and suspected ADHD with ASRS compared to the group without ADHD diagnosis (p=0.001). Conclusion: Internet use has intensified during the pandemic, and it has been observed that this situation may be related to the level of anxiety about the pandemic. Internet addiction was found to be higher in those with ADHD than in the non-ADHD group. The study is valuable in that it examines the changes in people’s media and technology usage habits during the pandemic, but studies with larger samples, face-to-face interviews, and follow-up data are needed to better understand the subject.