Technology Addiction
When does technology use becoming concerning?
Skipping school, irritability without technology, issues with sleep, losing interest in offline activities.
What are biological factors that impact addiction?
Genetics
Gender & Ethnicity
Brain Chemistry
What is problematic use disorder?
A problematic pattern of substance use that affects your health and well-being.
Define psychosis
Psychosis is a mental state where a person has trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
What is Schizophrenia?
A chronic disorder with a combination of psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech), negative symptoms (lack of emotion, motivation), and cognitive difficulties. Symptoms persist for at least 6 months.
What are healthy habits to break away from tech addiction?
What is classified as an addictive substance?
Illicit drugs, prescription medication, and alcohol.
Attributes of Problematic Use
- Still has some control
- May cause stress
- Improves with boundaries
- No withdrawal
What are the core symptoms of psychosis?
Hallucinations: experiencing or perceiving things that aren't real.
Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs, even when there is evidence.
What is Brief Psychotic Disorder?
A sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, such as
delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech that lasts for less than a month followed by complete remission.
Core Symptoms: The person experiences psychotic symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, or grossly disorganized behavior.
Duration: Symptoms last more than 1 day but less than 1 month, and the person eventually returns to their usual level of functioning.
What characterizes Internet Gaming Disorder?
The DSM-5 includes Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in section III, which is currently being studied, not officially classified yet.
■ Preoccupation with gaming
■ Withdrawal when not gaming
■ Loss of interest in other things
■ Continued use despite problems
What impact does substance use have on brain development during adolescence?
Substance use can interfere with brain maturation, making you more susceptible to addiction in the future.
Are there any social media use disorders classified in the DSM-V?
No. There is not enough consistent evidence to diagnose them yet.
What are some causes of psychosis?
- Genetics (Family History)
- Brain chemistry and structure
- Stressful life events and trauma
- Substance use
What is Schizophreniform Disorder?
Core Symptoms: The symptoms are the same as in schizophrenia (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, etc.).
Duration: Symptoms last at least 1 month but less than 6 months.
What role might culture and identity play in tech addiction?
Some cultures or families encourage constant technology connection for social, educational, or safety reasons.
Marginalized teens may rely more on online communities for connection and safety.
Coping with stress, discrimination, or trauma might lead to more online time.
What variation in brain structure might make someone more susceptible to addiction?
Differences in dopamine.
What is the difference between symptoms and impairment?
Symptoms: scrolling endlessly, doom scrolling, staying up too late
Impairment: missed homework, failing classes, lack of sleep
What are the core symptoms of schizophrenia?
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized Speech or thinking
- Disorganized or Catatonic Behavior
- Negative Symptoms
What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder?
Core Symptoms:
The person may have:
● Unusual or “magical” thinking (e.g., belief in telepathy)
● Strange or eccentric behavior or speech
● Discomfort with close relationships
● Suspicion or paranoia
● Odd perceptions or experiences
On average, how long do teenagers spend on screens per day?
8-9 hours, excluding homework
Who is at higher risk for developing addiction?
Those with mental health disorders such as: Depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and Schizophrenia.
What are some signs of problematic use?
- Skipping school or activities
- Hiding device use
- Sleep issues or fatigue
- Mood swings or anger when offline
- Losing interest in real-life hobbies
- Continued use despite consequences
What are negative symptoms of psychosis?
These involve a loss or decrease in normal abilities or emotions: showing little emotion, speaking less or in flat tones, having trouble starting activities or connecting with others
What is Schizoaffective Disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder includes symptoms of schizophrenia (like delusions and hallucinations) along with mood disorder symptoms (like depression or mania).
Core Symptoms:
● Psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations)
● Major mood episode (either depression or mania)
● Periods of psychosis without mood symptoms (for at least 2 weeks)
Duration: Symptoms and mood symptoms are ongoing in many illnesses. This is not just depression or bipolar disorder with occasional psychosis; the psychotic symptoms are present on their own at times, too.