Screen time and diet linked to increased ADHD risks in children

Research from the University of Navarra’s SENDO Project indicates that children spending more than two hours a day on screens face a 2.16 times higher relative risk of meeting screening criteria for potential Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) compared to those spending less than one hour. The prospective study, which followed approximately 600 children over two years, also noted that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with poorer scores in hyperactivity, peer relationships, prosocial behavior, and inattention.

At the 48th SEMERGEN National Congress in Santiago de Compostela, medical experts discussed the broader impact of digital transformation on mental health. Psychiatrist Dr. Guillermo Lahera Forteza noted that while technology may not be a sole cause of depression, it can contribute to maintaining symptoms. He emphasized the need for clinicians to explore digital habits during consultations, similar to assessing sleep or alcohol use. Experts highlighted concerns regarding sleep loss, social isolation, and attention difficulties resulting from the shift toward mobile-dominated childhoods.