Smartphones: New Teen Mental Health Crisis

Just awhile ago, a mother texted me about her 17-year-old son whom she brought to see me for therapy.

She said that her son, a former honor student, has withdrawn from school and been spending hours just watching YouTube daily at home.

CNN reported on "Smartphones: New Teen Mental Health Crisis,"  qbased on a recent study published by the American Medical Association.

It investigated the link between digital addiction and the mental health of thousands of teenagers. The study found a "statistically significant association."

Teenagers who are heavily addicted to digital devices are more likely to become prone to psychiatric problems, according to the study.

The researchers examined mental consequences of digital diversions, such as social media, streaming video, text messaging, music downloads, and online chat rooms.

Teens with digital addiction show symptoms of brain ADHD or patterns of severe inattention, hyperactive behavior, and impulsiveness that interferes with functioning or development.

Treatment options include:

• psychotherapy involving cognitions, emotions, and behaviors;
• parental boundaries and discipline
• home logistical tech arrangement
• medications or natural brain foods;
• play or arts;
• school accommodations;
• spirituality;
• peer groups



from Dr. Angelo O. Subida, Psychotherapist http://www.drsubida.com/2018/07/smartphones-new-teen-mental-health.html