A link has been found between screen time and manic symptoms in children.

An international team of medical professionals has discovered that children aged 10 to 11 who spent significant amounts of time in front of screens exhibited more frequent manic symptoms two years later. Examples of such behavior, which may indicate bipolar spectrum disorders, include pathological distractibility, inflated self-esteem, racing thoughts, impulsivity, and more.

2025-02-21 10:00:08https://naked-science.ru/article/medicine/obnaruzhena-svyaz-mezhdu

A new study highlights the connection between extensive use of digital devices and the risk of mental disorders in adolescents, as detailed in an article published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. The research utilized data from participants in the "Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development" (ABCD) project, the largest long-term study in the U.S. focused on brain development and children's health.

The sample included 9,243 children aged 10-11 at the start of the study. Throughout the project, researchers assessed the amount of time participants spent in front of screens during the first year, which included social media usage, messaging, video calls via mobile devices, gaming, and watching television and video content. After two years, the children were tested for manic symptoms using a specialized questionnaire called 7 Up Mania.

The results were analyzed using linear regression methods, adjusting for demographic factors, signs of ADHD, depression, and manic symptoms at the outset. Potential moderating variables included excessive engagement with social media and video games, as well as sleep duration.

The findings revealed that spending more time in front of screens during the first year was associated with an increased likelihood of manic symptoms in children two years later. The strongest correlations were found in four specific types of digital device usage: social media engagement, text messaging, video viewing, and gaming.

Commenting on the results, researchers noted that adolescence is an especially vulnerable period for the development of bipolar spectrum disorders. Given that early manifestation of symptoms can lead to more severe and chronic consequences, it is crucial to understand what factors contribute to their emergence or exacerbation. Additionally, medical professionals warned that screen addiction and irregular sleep patterns may worsen manic symptoms in adolescents predisposed to such disorders.

The findings underscore the necessity of monitoring teenagers' digital habits to prevent mental health disorders. However, the study has several limitations: it relies on self-reported data, and the assessment of screen time did not account for the purpose of device usage—whether for leisure or study. Furthermore, the researchers did not establish a causal link between screen time and manic symptoms, leaving open the possibility of reverse causation.