Problematic Internet gaming is an increasingly recognized global mental health problem. In a multicultural cross-sectional study, led by Julius Burkauskas from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, the association between Internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptoms and anxiety and depressive symptoms and substance use among 3529 college/university students were examined. IGD symptoms were found associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance use, independent of time spent online, psychiatric diagnosis, culture, or sociodemographic characteristics. For males, more significant IGD symptoms were associated with more extended Internet browsing per day time and higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, while for females, with more extended Internet browsing per day time, marihuana use, and higher levels of depressive symptoms. Thus, IGD could be associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms and substance use. Still, these associations differed among males and females, suggesting that gender differences should be considered when planning specific treatments. Details https://rdcu.be/cGXxG
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