Comorbid symptoms of internet addiction among adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder: a comparative study

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of internet addiction and compares its related factors among adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Between January 2017 and December 2019, outpatients (n = 102), aged 12–15, completed the basic information questionnaire, Internet Addiction Test, and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report Japanese version (QIDS-J). Their parents completed the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS). The scores of adolescents with and without ASD were compared. Internet addiction was prevalent among 40.0% and 23.9% of adolescents in the ASD and non-ASD groups, respectively. No potential risk factors for internet addiction were statistically significant in the ASD group. However, QIDS-J and ADHD-RS scores were significantly correlated with internet addiction in the non-ASD group. Factors related to internet addiction were symptoms of depression and ADHD in the non-ASD group.