Problematic social media use and ADHD symptoms in adolescents

JAMA Network Open

About The Study: 

This cohort study of U.S. youths found that year-to-year elevations in self-reported problematic social media use were directly associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms during mid-adolescence, particularly among males; reverse associations of ADHD symptoms with later problematic social media use were small in magnitude and sporadic. Screening for hard-to-control social media use, time spent on social media, and attention to sex-specific patterns may be warranted, although the population-based associations may be small.

Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Jason M. Nagata, MD, MSc, email jason.nagata@ucsf.edu.

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(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.23748)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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Journal

JAMA Network Open