Structural Equation Modeling (SEM): Gaming Disorder Mediating Untreated Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation

Abstract

\n Background: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) maybe a mediating roles leading youth with Attention Deficit hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) becoming disruptive mood dysregulation. So far, how IGD mediating the pathways leading ADHD to emotional dys-function are not entirely clear. This study aims to use structural equation modeling (SEM) analyze the direct or indirect influence of IGD on ADHD youth. Method: The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, Version IV questionnaire (SNAP-IV) was used to measure symptoms of ADHD and Oppositional Defiant disorder (ODD). The Chen Gaming disorder Scale (CIAS) was used to test for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and ADHD, ODD, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) was diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Result: Total 102 ADHD youth included in the SEM analysis. 53 (52%) of them suffering from IGD were significantly more likely to have bad interpersonal relationships (p < 0.01) and comorbid with DMDD and IGD (p < 0.01 and < 0.001, respectively) than non-addicted ADHD youth. Under the mediating role of Gaming disorder indirectly, ADHD youth had increasing risk of DMDD. Conclusions: this SEM analysis indicated the indirect relationship between IGD and DMDD among ADHD youth. This finding suggests the immediate and intense clinical treatments were warranted to recent ADHD youth with Internet Gaming Disorder. However, further large, scaled research is required to study this correlation.