Investigation of Nomophobia, Anxiety, and Depression Levels and Their Relationships in Children Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Authors : Öznur Adıgüzel Akman, Muhammed Sefa Gülseren, Merve İkinci, Beyza Nur Fani, Alper Yiğit Karakuş, Ceyda Taşpınar, Emre Uysal, Kardelen Tüzel, Kerime Özçelik, Nadide Mirza, Sena Yılmaz, Sıla Akcaalan, Zeynep Yılmaz, Mustafa Çağatay Büyükuysal

Pages : 239-248

Doi:10.29058/mjwbs.1721079

View : 110 | Download : 65

Publication Date : 2025-08-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: Nomophobia, known as the \\\"fear of being without a phone,\\\" is considered one of the effects of technology on mental health. Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be prone to nomophobia and mood disorders due to impulsivity and sensitivity in the reward system. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of nomophobia, anxiety, and depression and their relationships in children diagnosed with ADHD. Material and Methods: The study included 51 children aged 6 to 16 years diagnosed with ADHD and 51 healthy controls who were referred to the Child Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University between January 2024 and March 2025. Participants were assessed using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia–Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), a sociodemographic data form, the Turkish Nomophobia Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, and the Children\\\'s Depression Inventory. Results: Of the participants, 39.2% were female (n=40) and 60.8% were male (n=62), with a mean age of 11.53 ± 3.02 years. Although children with ADHD had higher nomophobia levels than healthy controls, this difference was not statistically significant and was not associated with anxiety or depression levels. However, the “Giving up convenience (GC)” subscale of nmophobia was significantly higher in the ADHD group compared to controls (p=0.032). Additionally, female children with ADHD scored significantly higher than males on the “Not being able to communicate (NC)” subscale (p=0.016). The trait anxiety levels in the ADHD group were notably and significantly higher (p<0.001). Conclusion: The relationship between nomophobia, anxiety, and depression in children with ADHD appears to be more complex than previously thought. Nomophobia assessments should be conducted based on subdimensions and clinical groups rather than total scores. Particular attention should be given to the \\\"giving up comfort\\\" dimension and the sensitivity in digital communication observed in girls with ADHD. To the best of our knowledge, our study is among the first in the literature to examine the relationship between nomophobia subscales and anxiety and depression in children with ADHD.
Keywords : Anksiyete, depresyon, dikkat eksikliği ve hiperaktivite bozukluğu, dijital bağımlılık, nomofobi

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