Digital addiction in children and adolescents. Contemporary strategies of diagnostics and treatment
DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021-5-5-322-329
A.V. Pekonidi
Scientific and Practical Research and Expertise Center, Moscow, Russian Federation
Despite a significant amount of researches on digital addiction (both Internet addiction and gadget addiction), today there is a need for consensus on diagnostic criteria and measures to improve the reliability of research and develop effective and efficient approaches to treatment. However, at the present, it is appropriate and possible to find a certain consensus that is relevant for the provision of preventive and curative measures for children and adolescents with digital addiction. This review of scientific articles of recent years systematizes the general modern strategies of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, especially in children and adolescents, in the form of the following thesis. Digital addiction is a behavioral addiction (1), the diagnosis of which requires a multimodal/integrated approach (2), which consists of preventive measures in childhood and adolescence (“digital hygiene”) (3), psychotherapy of behavioral addiction, behavior disorders, social maladjustment and neurotic disorders (4) and, psychopharmacotherapy of existing depressive and neurotic disorders (e.g. SSRIs, clomipramine) and ADHD (methylphenidate, atomoxetine) (5).
Keywords: digital addiction, internet addiction, gadget addiction, behavioral addiction, psychotherapy, digital hygiene, psychiatry, children and adolescents
For citation: Pekonidi A.V. Digital addiction in children and adolescents. Contemporary strategies of diagnostics and treatment. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2021;5(5):322–329 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021-5-5-322-329.
About the author:
Alexander V. Pekonidi — C. Sc. (Med.), Director of Research and Practical Center for Study and Expertise; 108/1, Varshavskoe road, Moscow, 117639, Russian Federation.
Contact information: Alexander V. Pekonidi, e-mail: iatros.pekonidi@gmail.com.
Financial Disclosure: the author has no a financial or property interest in any material or method mentioned.
There is no conflict of interests.
Received 25.05.2021.
Revised 18.06.2021.
Accepted 13.07.2021.
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