A new study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology has found a concerning link between excessive screen time and the development of manic symptoms in preteens. The study suggests that 10- to 11-year-olds who spend significant time on screens—whether through social media, video games, texting, or watching videos—are more likely to experience symptoms associated with manic episodes, which are a key feature of bipolar-spectrum disorders.
The symptoms linked with excessive screen use include inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity. These behaviors are indicative of manic episodes, which are characteristic of disorders such as bipolar disorder. Adolescence is considered a particularly vulnerable time for the onset of bipolar-spectrum disorders, and early symptoms are often associated with more severe, chronic outcomes. As such, understanding the factors contributing to the development or worsening of manic symptoms is crucial.
Dr. Jason Nagata, the first author of the study and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized the significance of screen addiction in contributing to these symptoms. “Symptoms of social media and video game addiction, such as the inability to stop despite trying, withdrawal, tolerance, conflict, and relapse, may play a role,” he explained. “Screen addictions and irregular sleep patterns may exacerbate manic symptoms in susceptible teens.”
This research adds to the growing body of evidence linking screen time with poor mental health outcomes in adolescents. The study utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, which is the largest long-term study on brain development in the United States. Researchers examined data from 9,243 early adolescents, aged 10-11 years, focusing on their screen habits and whether they experienced any manic or hypomanic symptoms.
The results of the study reveal that preteens with higher screen time exposure are at a greater risk of developing manic symptoms two years later. It suggests that the addictive behaviors associated with excessive screen time—such as compulsively checking social media, playing video games for extended periods, and disrupted sleep schedules—could be exacerbating mental health issues in vulnerable adolescents.
Kyle Ganson, PhD, co-author and assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, underscores the importance of early intervention: “This study underscores the importance of cultivating healthy screen use habits early on,” he said. “Future research can help us better understand the behaviors and brain mechanisms linking screen use with manic symptoms to help inform prevention and intervention efforts.”
Although screen time can offer important benefits, such as educational content and increased socialization, the study highlights the potential risks associated with excessive use, especially regarding mental health. Dr. Nagata encourages families to adopt mindful media consumption habits, especially in terms of limiting screen time before bed to reduce the risk of sleep disruptions that may aggravate manic symptoms. “Parents should be aware of the potential risks, especially to mental health,” he said. “Families can develop a media plan that includes screen-free times before bedtime.”
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the potential mental health risks posed by excessive screen time during the critical developmental period of preadolescence. By fostering healthy screen habits early on, there may be opportunities to mitigate the risk of future manic symptoms in adolescents.
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