Use of Electronic Devices Linked to Depression and Anxiety
In a study published in Addiction Biology, researchers uncovered significant associations between use of electronic devices and signs of depression and anxiety, as well as cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking. The team also found certain genetic variants that were linked with these traits.
A review of studies on smartphone addiction found that anxiety and depression were commonly mediated mental health problems. A wide range of physical health sequelae was also associated with smartphone addiction. Furthermore, there was an association between smartphone addiction and neurological disorders.
The study included data on hundreds of thousands of individuals from the UK Biobank. Three indicators of use of electronic devices were included in the study: TV watching, computer using, and computer playing.
Their findings suggested that electronic devices use was associated with common mental traits and provided new clues for understanding genetic architecture of mental traits.
The authors wrote that the study’s findings suggest that reducing time spent using electronic devices may help reduce mental health burdens.
Source: Wiley
