In a recent study published in BMJ Mental Health , researchers determined the relationships between problematic smartphone usage (PSU) and anxiety, depression, and insomnia among United Kingdom (UK) adolescents. Background Mental illness is a leading cause of disability in the United Kingdom, with depression and anxiety particularly prevalent among teenagers. Smartphone use has increased, and there is conflicting information concerning the relationship between screen time and anxiety and depression.
Some claim mobile use is common among children and adolescents, while others believe it is maladaptive. Most previous studies are cross-sectional, raising doubts regarding causality. Some longitudinal studies in Southeast Asia have found a complicated link between PSU and depression, with psychiatric issues increasing PSU.
However, prior research discovered that psychosocial adjustments affected PSU rehabilitation or persistence. About the study In the present mixed methods, prospective cohort, and longitudinal study, researchers investigated whether smartphone usage is associated with poor psychiatric health outcomes. They also explored adolescent understanding of smartphone usage, related pros and cons, and the steps taken to curtail their use.
The researchers included 69 students aged between 13 and 16 years from two secondary schools to assess their mobile usage, sleep, and mood using semi-structured questionnaires at study initiation and after four weeks. They used the Smartp.